Dr. David Tam-Baryoh, a journalist who hosts the programme “Monologue” on Citizen Radio in Sierra Leone was released on November 14, 2014 after 10 days in detention.
According to MFWA’s correspondent in Sierra Leone, the journalist was released on a 50 million Leones bail (approximately US$10,000); and has gone home without any charges.
On November 3, 2014, Dr. David Tam-Baryoh was arrested pursuant to an “Executive Detention Order”, and detained at the Criminal Investigations Department and thereafter at the Male Correctional Centre at Pademba Road in Freetown.
Even though the executive detention order stated that Tam-Baryoh was arrested for incitement, many believe the authorities wanted to prevent him from further criticizing how the government is handling the Ebola crises in the country. Shortly after Dr. Tam-Baryoh’s arrest and detention, he instructed his lawyers, Melron Nicol-Wilson Esq., and Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, to pursue an amicable means of securing his release in view of his health condition and the unavoidable delays within the Criminal Justice System.
In accordance with the instructions, a Committee consisting of respected members of the Sierra Leone Community was put together to complement the efforts of his Legal Representatives.
The Committee met with Dr. Tam-Baryoh, and he confirmed that he was not physically assaulted during his arrest and detention and that he is aware that he was not arrested for any comment related to the handling of the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Tam-Baryoh has been asked to report at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every Monday morning.