Written By: Kakuna Kerina, Matthew Leone & David Tam-Baryoh

Journalists Tried for Treasonable Offenses During the AFRC/RUF Regime

The treason trials initiated when President Kabbah returned to power after the AFRC/RUF regime, convicted seven journalists of treason. On August 23, 1998, SLBS broadcaster Dennis Smith, director Gipu Felix George, and newscaster Olivia Mensah, New Citizen managing editor Ibrahim B. Kargbo, We Yone journalist William Smith, and WBIG (FM-103) managing director and former BBC Network Africa correspondent Hilton Fyle, were convicted for collaborating with the AFRC/RUF regime. On August 24, after a four-month trial, Justice Edmond Cowan sentenced the five journalists to death by hanging. Olivia Mensah, who had given birth in prison in July 1998, was also convicted on an additional charge of murder.

The journalists remained in Pademba Road Prison as their sentences were appealed, until January 6, 1999, when they were released by RUF rebels who took control of the prison during the invasion of Freetown. Fyle accompanied the rebels when they withdrew from the capitol, with whom he remains to date. The other four journalists reported back to prison, in accordance with a government order, where they remained until their release in July, in accordance with the Lome Peace Accord. Other journalists charged with treason, who were in detention at Pademba Road Prison and awaiting trial were also released.