# Sierra Leone media independence and safety concerns > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-media-independence-and-safety-concerns > Updated: 2026-11-05T13:57:37.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Journalists in Sierra Leone have been defending their professional independence following accusations from members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Supporters of the party labeled certain media figures as “regime-changed journalists,” a claim which journalists argued should not be used to discredit reporting that scrutinizes political actors. Additionally, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) rejected allegations from an SLPP official regarding a purported conspiracy to submit a false report. While the official later clarified his comments regarding an agenda against the party, he maintained his allegations regarding the report. In response to broader pressures, a coalition of civil society and media organizations has called for independent investigations into crimes against journalists. The SLAJ specifically demanded stronger legal protections and accountability to combat rising issues such as arbitrary detention, online harassment, and legal pressures against media practitioners. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-05: Civil society groups urge government action against crimes targeting journalists Civil society and media groups in Sierra Leone and Cambodia are demanding government accountability and better legal protections to end impunity for crimes and rights violations against journalists. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/civil-society-groups-urge-government-action-against-crimes-targeting-journalists ### 2026-10-29: Sierra Leone journalists defend independence against political allegations Sierra Leonean journalists and the SLAJ are defending professional independence against allegations of bias and conspiracy made by supporters and officials of the ruling SLPP party. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-journalists-defend-independence-against-political-allegations --- Cite as: Sierra Leone media independence and safety concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-media-independence-and-safety-concerns