By Alpha Barrie

The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL)’s 5-day ultimatum given to the Sierra Leone Premier League Board to conclude investigation into the physical attack and assault on sports journalist Alusine Rehme Wilson will end today.

In his statement during the celebration of this year’s World Sports Journalists Day on Wedenesday July 2, Sahr Morris Jr., the SWASAL President declared a 5-day ultimatum to the Sierra Leone Premier League Board to complete their long-lasting investigation over the incident of Wusum’s violent attack on SWASAL Northern Regional Chairman Alusine Rehme Wilson.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call out to the Sierra Leone Premier League Board that SWASAL is giving them a 5-day ultimatum to complete their long-lasting investigation over the incident of Wusum’s violent attack on SWASAL Northern Regional Chairman Alusine Rehme Wilson. If the PLB can’t provide security and create a safe and enabling environment for sports journalists to execute their duty, then don’t give us media accreditation,” the SWASAL President said.
In April this year, the Association issued a strong condemnation regarding the violent assault on Alusine Rehme Wilson, the Chairman of SWASAL North, during a premier league match at the Wusum Stadium in Makeni on Sunday, 30th March, 2025.
The incident occurred as Wilson attempted to conduct post-match interviews with players from Bo Rangers after their clash against Wusum Stars.
Allegedly, a group of unruly supporters from Wusum Stars launched a physical attack on him, resulting in injury and emotional distress.
In addition to the assault on SWASAL Northern Regional Chairman, there were reports of indiscriminate stone-throwing and verbal abuse directed at match officials during the same event.
With all evidence including photo and video sent to the Premier League Board Secretariat by the Association, the League Board confirmed they will carry out an investigation but it has been over three months and nothing has come out of the said investigation.
SWASAL continues to stress the need for improved safety protocols for journalists at sporting events to prevent such incidents in the future and is asking the Board to act immediately before the ultimatum expires.

As the 5-day ultimatum ends today, there is still no comment from the Sierra Leone Premier League Board and the membership of SWASAL is looking forward to the next action to be taken by its executive.