Sierra Leonean law is clear. Anyone who "maliciously" publishes defamatory material could be put in jail for up to three years, whether or not what they have written is true.

VOA: standard.2009.12.28

This is perception, whether it is true or not." Even within the government, concerns were raised by some ministers about the targeting of Saylan, especially during the final days of her life.

VOA: standard.2009.05.20