Parliamentary journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray has marked one year of his indefinite ban from accessing the Sierra Leone Parliament, describing the decision as unjust, harmful, and a threat to press freedom.
According to Mansaray, the ban, imposed by Speaker Solomon Segehpoh Thomas in January 2025, remains in effect despite repeated appeals from local and international media organizations, civil society groups, and private individuals.
He stated that efforts by the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists to secure a reversal have so far yielded no results.
Mansaray further explained that the matter was never taken to the Independent Media Commission, but instead handled by the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee, where he said his lawyer was not allowed to speak and he was denied the opportunity to fully present his statement.
He said he was later pressured to issue public apologies on radio, social media, and on the floor of Parliament.
The journalist noted that although an Ethics Committee report was later presented in Parliament, a motion to debate it was never concluded, leaving his ban unresolved.
Mansaray described the situation as “justice delayed and justice denied,” adding that the ban has affected not only his career but also other parliamentary journalists.
He said the decision has cost him several professional opportunities, including roles with international organizations, media contracts, and research institutions, while also affecting his income and mental well-being.
The journalist further warned that the ban has weakened transparency, restricted access to parliamentary reporting, and undermined the public’s right to information.
Despite the challenges, Mansaray said he remains committed to journalism and has called on authorities to urgently resolve the matter.
He thanked local and international media organizations, civil society groups, and individuals for their continued support, while stressing that further legal steps may be taken if no progress is made.
