By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), issued a statement on Saturday December 28, 2024 addressing the ongoing situation involving journalist Thomas Dixon and the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Fayia Sellu.
Nasrallah confirmed that SLAJ is actively monitoring the situation, which initially suggested a potential arrest of Dixon. “We want to assure our members and the general public that Thomas Dixon has NOT been arrested,” he stated.
The tensions arose after a Facebook post by Dixon described the IG as “arrogant.” Following this, the IG contacted Nasrallah to express his frustration, claiming that Dixon had misrepresented him despite having provided clarification over the phone. The IG indicated that arresting the journalist had been considered.
In response, Nasrallah advised the IG against pursuing arrest and proposed alternative actions, such as filing a formal complaint with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) or communicating directly with SLAJ.
After their conversation, Nasrallah reached out to Dixon, who confirmed he was at home. As a precaution, Nasrallah advised him to temporarily leave his residence to ensure his safety.
To further de-escalate the situation, Nasrallah re-engaged the IG, stressing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship between SLAJ and the security sector. The IG acknowledged the advice but urged journalists to uphold professionalism in their work. He also mentioned his attempts to contact Dixon after their discussion, noting that he had not received a response.
Seeking additional assurances, Nasrallah contacted the Minister of Information and Civic Education, as well as the Chairman of the IMC, to better understand the situation and ensure Dixon’s safety.
In closing, Nasrallah called on the IG to publicly guarantee the safety and security of Thomas Dixon, allowing him to resume his normal activities without fear.
