By Foday Moriba Conteh
The outspoken, political and social commentator, journalist and politician, Sylvia Olayinka Blyden on the 29th May 2020 finally fulfilled all bail conditions granted by Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of Magistrate Court No 2 after initially failing to timely meet those conditions granted on the 28th May 2020.
Blyden spent over three weeks in police detention without charge, and only to be taken to Court a few days ago to answer to a ten-count charge – ranging from seditious libel against the President to perverting the course of justice.
However, a University student cum child rights activist – Hussain Muckson Sesay, who was arrested for allegedly publishing a photo of Dr Blyden being interrogated by CID officers – a charge he continues to deny, will probably be released this week after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Sympathizers of Blyden were seen in a suppressed jubilant mood as she was released after Lawyer Melron Nicol-Wilson, acting for both Blyden and Sesay had secured bail for the pair.
A Human Rights campaigner intimated this medium that authorities in Sierra Leone must now drop all the charges against Dr Blyden and Muckson. He said the charges against them stem directly from their work as journalists, activists and peaceful citizens saying such should not be punishable and is part of their professional capacity.
“The Public Order Act No 46 of 1965 is outdated and not fit for purpose. Dictatorial government officials use the Public Order Act laws mainly against journalists and activists and the prospect of their use instils fear in the minds of people across the country. There is an urgent need to end the tyrannical criminal defamation laws, which unduly restrict freedom of expression. There are calls in Sierra Leone for the repeal of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act dealing with libel laws. We want real victory for Unity, for Freedom, for Justice,” he underscored.
Speaking on behalf of the Blyden family, Mrs Sylvia Jolliminah Blyden – the mother of Dr. Sylvia Blyden, spoke passionately about the life and career of her daughter and called on the Government to respect her human rights.
