By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defense Lawyers (WANAMDEL) have strongly condemned the alleged assault on prominent media lawyer and journalist Paul Kamara by police officers at the Adonkia Police Station in Freetown, describing the incident as a grave threat to press freedom, professionalism and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on April 7, WANAMDEL disclosed that the incident reportedly took place on April 4, 2026, when Paul Kamara, one of its members and a respected journalist and legal practitioner, visited the Adonkia Police Station to follow up on investigations surrounding the death of his colleague, Augustine Sensie Bangura.
According to WANAMDEL, Paul Kamara had gone to the station’s Criminal Investigations Department as part of efforts to seek clarity on the matter. While there, he later joined sympathizers who had gathered to console the bereaved family. It was during that period, the group stated, that he witnessed a confrontation between a police officer and a civilian.
The regional network noted that in an attempt to calm tensions and prevent the situation from escalating, Paul Kamara stepped in to de-escalate the confrontation. However, rather than restoring calm, WANAMDEL alleged that the officers turned on him.
The group stated that Paul Kamara was physically assaulted, forcibly restrained and pepper-sprayed, despite clearly identifying himself as both a lawyer and journalist. WANAMDEL described the alleged conduct as a blatant violation of professional standards, citizens’ rights and the principles underpinning democratic policing.
Further concerns were raised over the response Paul Kamara reportedly received when he sought to lodge an official complaint. WANAMDEL said officers stationed at the Complaints Desk allegedly treated him with indifference and ridicule, frustrating his attempt to secure immediate redress. It was only after concerned individuals reportedly contacted the Local Unit Commander that he was allowed to file a formal complaint.
In its reaction, WANAMDEL called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged assault, while urging the Sierra Leone Police to impose appropriate sanctions on any officers found culpable. The network further called for urgent institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents and to guarantee the protection of journalists, lawyers and ordinary citizens.
The development has further heightened growing concerns over press freedom violations across West Africa, where journalists continue to face harassment, arbitrary arrests and assaults, particularly when covering sensitive governance, human rights and public accountability issues.
Echoing similar concerns, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, in a Press Release dated April 5, 2026, also strongly condemned the alleged assault and reported misconduct involving officers of the Sierra Leone Police against Paul Kamara Esq.
Signed by Secretary General Edward Marah, SLAJ noted that Paul Kamara, who also serves as a media trainer and legal practitioner, was at the Police Station in connection with the same ongoing investigation into the death of Augustine Sensie Bangura.
The Association stated that, based on the account provided by Paul Kamara, he was allegedly physically assaulted, forcibly restrained, dragged and pepper-sprayed by officers following an interaction within the police premises. SLAJ emphasized that if the allegations are established, the incident would raise serious questions about the use of force, professional conduct and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
While acknowledging that it was yet to receive the official version of events from the Sierra Leone Police, SLAJ maintained that the allegations were sufficiently serious to warrant urgent national attention.
The Association therefore called on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to launch an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that any officers found responsible must be held fully accountable under the law.
SLAJ also urged authorities to guarantee the safety and protection of Paul Kamara and any potential witnesses, while calling on the Independent Police Complaints Board and other relevant oversight institutions to closely monitor the process in the interest of transparency and justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to media freedom and democratic accountability, SLAJ stressed that respect for the rule of law, professionalism and accountability must remain the cornerstone of policing in any democratic society. The Association warned that incidents of alleged abuse, if not decisively addressed, risk further eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Both SLAJ and WANAMDEL have now placed the matter firmly in the spotlight, with media rights advocates across the region expected to closely watch the outcome of investigations into what is rapidly becoming another significant test case for press freedom and police accountability in Sierra Leone.
