"On the analyses of the trend of violations, key perpetrators and victims, research including engagements with the police, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and data from the MRCG’s (Media Reform Coordinating Group) Press Freedom Reports showed that in 2018, which was an election year (Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections) in Sierra Leone, there were up to 10 cases of violations against journalists and civil society activists in their line of duty. In 2019, nine major violations were recorded against journalists and civil society activists in their line of duty. In 2020, which saw the emergence of COVID-19, up to 10 cases of violations against journalists and civil society activists were also recorded." (Analysis of trends of violations, page 18)