WIMSAL Condemns Online Attacks Against Liberty Online TV Co-Owners

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has strongly condemned recent online attacks, harassment, and smear campaigns targeting Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura, co-owners of Liberty Online TV. The organisation expressed deep concern over the increasing online attacks against the two female journalists, warning that such actions threaten their safety, dignity, and ability to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation.

WIMSAL said the attacks appeared to be aimed at discrediting the professional credibility of the journalists and undermining their independence and contribution to public discourse. The organisation condemned individuals, bloggers, and online platforms involved in what it described as harassment, personal attacks, and deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputations of the two media practitioners.

Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura had demonstrated professionalism and commitment to journalism over the years, stressing that they deserved respect and should be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation, threats, or online abuse. WIMSAL acknowledged that journalists and media institutions are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, but maintained that such engagement must remain respectful and responsible.

The organisation further emphasised that attacks against women journalists constitute an attack on press freedom and the fundamental principles of an independent media. WIMSAL called on relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies, and media regulatory bodies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Kabba, Bangura, and other journalists across the country.

WIMSAL also urged social media users, bloggers, and members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and refrain from using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or threaten media practitioners. The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with the two journalists and remained committed to advocating for a safe, inclusive, and enabling media environment where women journalists can work freely and independently without fear.

The attacks on women journalists are part of a broader issue of online harassment and intimidation faced by many media practitioners in Sierra Leone. WIMSAL stressed that women journalists must not be silenced, intimidated, or pushed out of the media space, noting that their voices, work, and safety matter.

The organisation's condemnation of the online attacks against Liberty Online TV co-owners is a significant step towards promoting a safe and enabling environment for women journalists in Sierra Leone. WIMSAL's efforts aim to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment, and that the media can continue to play its critical role in promoting democracy and good governance.

Key points

• WIMSAL condemns online attacks against Liberty Online TV co-owners Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura.
• The organisation calls for a safe and enabling media environment where women journalists can work freely and independently.
• WIMSAL urges authorities and social media users to take responsibility in protecting journalists from online harassment and intimidation.