Abdulai Mansaray: Serra Leone Telegraph: 19 December 2021:
The Sierra Leone Criminal Libel Law was introduced by Sir Albert Margai of the SLPP in 1965. Undoubtedly, it became one of the most draconian sledgehammers used to muzzle and zip up opposition parties and dissenting media voices.
The APC party vociferously opposed the law then, but the late Siaka Stevens perfected the dark art on assuming power in 1968. It became his sharpest tool of choice, in the arsenal of his One -Party rule. Despite numerous promises to repeal this law in election manifestoes, successive governments continued to wield this sword of Damocles as antidote to democracy.
The fact that it took 55 years and an SLPP President Bio to repeal this anti-democratic law is not only ironic but self-owned. Freedom of speech is the palm oil with which democracy is eaten and repealing the criminal libel law was a milestone in our history.
President Bio deserves all the plaudits he can get. But does the recent spate of arrests, questionings and detentions put his legacy at risk? isnt it ironic that President Bio, who championed the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law is presiding over a period that has seen political opponents frogmarched to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for voicing their objections to some of his policies?
Does this this give credence to the notion that freedom of speech is no guarantee for freedom after speech?
Media reports stated that Ms Diana F Konomanyi, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the APC and Ms Femi C. Cole, chairman of the Unity Party were arrested and detained (the Sierraleonetelegraph.com-13/12/21). While Dr Dennis Bright of NGC was a guest at the Police HQ on 7/12/21 for speaking out against the controversial mid term census, Ms Konomanyi was roped in for an alleged video she released; calling on her Kono kindred to boycott the controversial midterm census.
Ms Cole endured a similar fate for similar claims, while chaperoning her colleague to the CID. Other political personalities are rumoured to have had similar experiences. Does it look like freedom of speech is under attack from supposedly, the High Priest of freedom of speech?
So, what is free speech or freedom of speech?
Freedom of speech can come in different shades, depending on individual perceptions. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Human Rights Law, the United Nations recognised Freedom of Expression as a Human Right; a principle that supports an individual or community to articulate their opinions and views without fear of retaliation, censorship or legal sanction (Student Companion). To others, it is the right to tell others what they dont want to hear. By arresting or detaining Ms Diana, Ms Cole, Dr Bright and others for expressing their views, did Bios administration breach their human rights? If so, is President Bio giving with one hand and taking with the other?
But lets remember that every right has responsibilities. We measure our rights against the inherent responsibilities that come with such rights. One has the right to remain stupid, just as others the right to rebel against that stupidity.
Sierra Leoneans have the right to vote, and that right comes with civic and moral responsibilities. Responsibility is the price we must pay in exchange for freedoms. Does the right to freedom of speech give anyone the right to falsely shout FIRE in a crowded cinema hall?
President Bios reign is painted in accusations, ranging from tribalism, nepotism, corruption etc predominantly by the opposition. President Bios SLPP supporters and sympathisers alike, accuse the opposition APC of trying to make the country ungovernable. APC members/supporters have at various times, allegedly encouraged their following to engage in civil disobedience; in protest to some of Bios policies.
Members of both parties have resorted to trading insults (mammy Cuss) in musical lyrics and on the social media Stock Exchange. With neither party showing any appetite to discourage or condemn such abhorrent acts is suggestive of how low and kindergarten our politics has become. Silence can mean consent.
Like others, it is Ms Dianas inalienable right to oppose the mid-term census. But does that include asking a whole district to boycott a national exercise, irrespective of the inherent controversies? Many accuse her of vigilante politics and question why she didnt do the same when Ernest created Kerana and Falaba Districts prior to the 2016 midterm census?
The SLPP won the Presidential elections, not the parliamentary elections. And that is not lost on the SLPP. Dig it? There are reports that some enumerators were chased with machetes in some parts of the country; just for asking someone their names and dates of birth. If true, this shows the potential dangers of lacing our views, rights or whatever with rocket fuel.
It is understandable for Bios administration to consider Ms Dianas behaviour as an act of sabotage. Who would you blame if there were loss of lives? Would that have been worth it? The fact is, should the APC throw the baby out of the pram, each time it faces a political gridlock from the SLPP?
This is not justification for President Bios selective hearing impairment to opposition concerns either. But there are better ways of getting under, over and around our political differences. Using the ever suffering and gullible electorate as pawns on their political chessboard is not only callous but selfish.
This is the kind of behaviour that has left many wondering whether our political landscape needs adult supervision. We can express our political differences without the need for mammy cuss as the main currency. The First Lady Fatima Bio was forced to publicly express her pain at being the subject of virulent Mammy Cuss during the victory lap of the newly elected SLPP Womens Leader Hawa Foray.
President Bio reprimanded Fatima for washing the dirty linen in public. Perhaps she did so because Ngor Bio has not been listening to her pillow talk. By virtue of her character, her position or role, she has been controversial. But irrespective of her controversies, Fatima Bio, like anyone else does not deserve such levels abuse. She is a woman for Gods sake. Like or loathe her, you have the ballot box to make your feelings known, if you choose to.
Is President Bio at risk of destroying his well-earned legacy of repealing the criminal libel law?
No one is questioning the APCs right to cast doubts or question the midterm census, for fear of political gymnastics. It takes one to know one and cunning die. But that shouldnt be a carte blanche to promote, incite and support unrests in the country; all in the guise of free speech.
We shouldnt demand freedom of speech as compensation for our freedom of thought, which we seldom use. Equally, this does not give the Bio administration the right to arbitrarily arrest those who share views or opinions it doesnt like. Such actions might put Bios legacy with Criminal Libel Law at risk of killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
No one doubts the frustration, the sense of injustice, the threats and fear of persecution that comes with being in the opposition. No one questions the perceived injustices, discriminations, and unfair advantages that come with being in the opposition. But does that mean that we should continue to use the electorate, who by the way bear the brunt of the ineptitude of our politicians, as pawns of their political chessboard?
There is no doubt that freedom of speech is a difficult balancing act with very thin lines between democracy and tyranny. It can be difficult to soar with eagles when you fly with crows. But it can be done. with a common sense of purpose.
Our two main parties never cease to tell us how bad and unfit the other is at governing. Ironically, not only do they use each other as standards or yardsticks to demonstrate their differences, but also as litmus test to measure their individual fitness to govern. How do you gauge your success against a failing or failed opponent as standard? Try Singapore or Rwanda to measure your success.
In the meantime, the APC could do with officially naming their flagbearer; except if they want to risk another round of you sabi am?. Indecision can lose opportunities; and dreams can be destroyed during moments of indecision. Sometimes the key to success is doing what should be done, even if you dont feel like doing it.
Our lives begin to end the day we remain silent about the things that matter (MLK)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Dont forget to turn the lights out when you leave the room.
Like Loading...
Related
See the rest here:
The paradox of free speech and the libel criminal Law - Sierra Leone Telegraph
- Bill Ackman says he's 'learned a lot' from Elon Musk's X - Quartz - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Opinion | Columbia, Free Speech and the Coddling of the American Right - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- TikTok raises free speech concerns on bill passed by US House that may ban app - Voice of America - VOA News - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- The Right Must Avoid the Left's Free Speech Pitfalls Minding The Campus - Minding The Campus - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Fear and loathing on America's college campuses as free speech is disappearing | Will Bunch - The Philadelphia Inquirer - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Harrison Ford Called 'Free Palestine' Supporters 'Force of Nature' in Speech? - Snopes.com - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Elon Musk to fund new First Amendment campaign to combat 'relentless attacks on free speech' - Fox News - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- TikTok raises free speech concerns on bill passed by US House that may ban app - New York Post - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Navigating The Murky Waters Of Antisemitism, Free Speech, And Academic Freedom - Forbes - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- The choice between safety and free speech is a false one - Daily Trojan Online - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- AI chatbots refuse to produce 'controversial' output why that's a free speech problem - The Conversation - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- UC Virtual Conference Centers Free Speech and Civil Rights Amid Ongoing Tensions on College Campuses - Diverse: Issues in Higher Education - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Free speech freeze-up | D.H. Robinson - The Critic - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Will Columbias law-school dean learn the law of free speech? - JNS.org - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- OSU, OK State Regents for Higher Education complete first required free speech training - Daily O'Collegian - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- TikTok uses free speech card to save itself from US ban, will it be enough? - Hindustan Times - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Settlement Reached in Free Speech Case at Temecula Valley Unified - ACLU of Southern California - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- USC canceled its valedictorian speech: What the university got wrong. - Slate - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- A free speech fiasco united the far-right here's why they remain divided - POLITICO Europe - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- US TikTok Ban Bill Would 'Trample' On Free Speech Rights Of 170M Americans, Says Social Media Giant - Benzinga - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- X marks the spot where free speech comes at a cost - Sydney Morning Herald - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Newly reinstated Texas Tech professor continues to advocate for free speech - KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Coin Center says Senate-presented stablecoin bill poses risks to innovation and free speech - crypto.news - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- TikTok creators worry about free speech and income streams if ban succeeds: 'My livelihood is at stake' - CNBC - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- As Texas students clash over Israel-Hamas war, Gov. Greg Abbott orders colleges to revise free speech policies - The Texas Tribune - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Opinion | The Debate Over Free Speech, Disinformation and Censorship - The New York Times - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- VCU one of the top campuses in the country for free speech, advocacy group says - Axios - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Free Speech Is Under Attack in the U.S., but It's on the Ropes Elsewhere - Reason - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Free speech hangs in the balance in 3 Supreme Court cases - The Hill - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Free Speech Unmuted: Free Speech, Government Persuasion, and Government Coercion - Reason - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- In crowded week for free speech, justices hear 3 First Amendment cases - Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Abbott Issues Guidance To Texas Colleges And Universities About Free Speech And Anti-Semitism - EastTexasRadio.com - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Gov. Abbott orders Texas universities to revise free speech policies to combat antisemitism - The UTD Mercury - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- The Liberty Justice Center Urges the U.S. Supreme Court to Uphold Protections for Free Speech in Donor Disclosure ... - Liberty Justice Center - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- GOP pushes anti-free speech bills to fight antisemitism - UnHerd - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- PEN Union Cries Foul in Contract Talks as Criticism of PEN America Intensifies - Publishers Weekly - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- CAIR-Texas Condemns Gov. Abbott's Anti-Palestinian Executive Order as Attack on Free Speech (Video) - - Council on American-Islamic Relations - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Dissent: When It Comes To Free Speech, the Editorial Board Is All Talk. | Opinion - Harvard Crimson - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Gov. Abbott calls for universities to update free speech policies, discipline violators to address antisemitism on campuses - The Daily Texan - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- The Times Ed Board picks a confusing fight against the Emerald City Ride, free speech - Seattle Bike Blog - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Trump's Free Speech Defense on Trial in Georgia Election Interference Case - Hoodline - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Convicting Julian Assange Would Mean the End of Free Speech - The American Conservative - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Column: Banning TikTok is a blow to free speech - Redmond Spokesman - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Free Speech Is Under Such Threat In Canada It Would Make Orwell Blush - Forbes - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- More on Coercion, Social Media, and Freedom of Speech: Rejoinder to Philip Hamburger - Reason - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- OfS free speech guidance: time will tell if it builds understanding - The PIE News - March 29th, 2024 [March 29th, 2024]
- Kevin Rennie: Jaw-dropping attack on free speech and assembly in a CT town. It hurts us all. - Hartford Courant - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Chemerinsky: Navigating Free Speech on Campus, A First Amendment Perspective - The Collegian online - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Bentley Hosts Forum on Free Speech on College Campuses with Legal Expert Harvey Silverglate - Bentley University - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- POLL: 69% of Americans believe country on wrong track on free speech - Foundation for Individual Rights in Education - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- In Defense of Free Speech and the Mission of the University - Public Discourse - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Free Speech and Common Carriage: Unpacking the Supreme Court's Examination of the Texas and Florida Social ... - Public Knowledge - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast | Free speech news: NetChoice, Taylor Swift, October 7, and Satan - Foundation for Individual Rights in Education - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Supreme Court to Decide How the First Amendment Applies to Social Media - The New York Times - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on Texas social media law - The Texas Tribune - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Bill aimed at protecting free speech rights advancing in SC House - News From The States - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Champion of Free Speech and Journalism Margaret Talev Leads Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship ... - Syracuse University News - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Kinsey student says IU administrator infringed on free speech rights at demonstration - Indiana Daily Student - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- CBS News boss who signed off on firing Catherine Herridge to get free speech award - New York Post - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- U.S. Supreme Court to hear Texas and Florida cases about free speech and social media platforms - Texas Standard - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Should Honking Your Horn Be Considered Free Speech? - The Autopian - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Event: Free speech implications of the ICJ South Africa v. Israel case - ARTICLE 19 - Article 19 - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Takeaways From the Supreme Court Arguments on Social Media Laws - The New York Times - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Free Speech Unmuted: Book Bansor Are They? - Reason - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Florida anti-free speech bill targets 'liberal media' but guess who's really mad at it? - KeysNews.com - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Supreme Court arguments over social media laws and free speech are defining social media itself - Quartz - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Canadian measure would remove free speech protection for quoting Bible, sacred texts - Washington Times - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Suffield scraps plan to restrict the use of the town green following pushback from free speech advocates - FOX61 Hartford - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- FIRST PERSON: Free speech fails for Zionists at UC Berkeley - The Jewish News of Northern California - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Menard Center and pre-law club host discussion regarding AI and Free Speech - UWEC Spectator - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Supreme Court arguments over future of social media and free speech - WFXRtv.com - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Judge skeptical of lawsuit brought by Elon Musk's X over hate speech research - NPR - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Israeli philosopher Yoram Hazony lectures on free speech, antisemitism while students hold vigil - Observer Online - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Big Tech fights Texas and Florida at SCOTUS, and Brett Kavanaugh might be the one saving the internet as we know it. - Slate - March 2nd, 2024 [March 2nd, 2024]
- Biden Is Trying to Balance Gaza Protests and Free Speech Rights as Demonstrators Disrupt His Events - U.S. News & World Report - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- British Universities Are Repressing Free Speech on Palestine - Jacobin magazine - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- The Future of Academic Freedom - The New Yorker - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- "College Is All About Curiosity. And That Requires Free Speech." - Reason - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- Palestine and the crisis of free speech on college campuses - The Real News Network - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]
- College Is All About Curiosity. And That Requires Free Speech. - The New York Times - January 29th, 2024 [January 29th, 2024]