1 Comment 
Civil society organization AdvocAid has criticized the sentencing of Sierra Leonean entertainer and political figure Zainab Sheriff, warning that her case reflects a growing trend of laws being used to silence dissent and restrict civic space.
AdvocAid stated its position in a recent The Guardian’s global development article discussing concerns around freedom of expression and the use of public order laws in Sierra Leone.
Sheriff, a singer and former reality-TV star who has become an opposition voice, was sentenced in April to four years and two months in prison for incitement and threatening language related to remarks made at a January rally. She was arrested on February 20, denied bail, and is currently held at a maximum-security prison in Freetown.
AdvocAid’s Legal Manager, Willietta Hughes, described the proceedings as reminiscent of a “show trial,” noting that no evidence was presented to show Sheriff’s comments provoked public disorder. “We have seen people who have said far worse and were either not prosecuted or given very low terms,” Hughes said. “The law is being utilised as a weapon against people who speak up.”
She added that the sentence was “ridiculous” and intended to send a chilling message to citizens that exercising free expression could lead to imprisonment.
AdvocAid said Sheriff’s case is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on free speech, particularly targeting women. The organization cited the arrest of social media influencer Hawa Hunt in 2023 and the detention of dozens of women protesters in 2022 as examples of how public order laws have been applied to suppress voices critical of government.
The organization noted that prominent figures, including Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and women’s rights activist Nemata Majeks Walker, have also raised concerns, warning that Sierra Leone’s democracy risks sliding into authoritarianism.
AdvocAid reaffirmed its commitment to defending women’s rights and freedom of expression, urging authorities to respect constitutional protections and international human rights standards. The organization stressed that Sheriff’s imprisonment is not just about one individual but about safeguarding civic space for all Sierra Leoneans.
REST ASSURED, JULIUS MAADA BIO AND A NUMBER OF AUTHORITIES ACROSS SIERRA LEONE WILL FACE JUSTICE AND IMPRISONED FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, FINANCIAL CRIMES AND HARMFUL DRUGS TRADE. THEY CAN SILENCE DISSENTING VOICES AND DO SELECTIVE JUSTICE FOR ALL THEY LIKE. THAT DAY WILL SURELY COME WHEN JUSTICE WILL TRUIMPH. TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN UNJUSTLY HELD IN COSTUDY OR SENTECED UNLAWFULLY SUCH AS ZAINAB SHERIFF, MOHAMED MORIBA, MOMBASA, RED FOR RED, ETC ETC,YOU’RE ALL HEROES OF DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND YOU’LL BE CELEBRATED SOMEDAY FOR STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AS WE ALL ARE. JULIUS MAADA BIO STOLE THE JUNE 24TH, 2023 ELECTIONS AND WE’LL SAY THIS EACH DAY. NOW, HE HAS BROUGHT SHAME AND DISGRACE TO OUR COUNTRY WHICH NOW SMELLS LIKE A ROTTEN MEAT. COCAINE SEIZURE FREQUENTLY LINKED TO SIERRA LEONE. EACH TIME FISHERMEN ARE BEEN TOLD NOT TO CARRY OUT THEIR FISHING ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY, THIS MEANS THAT SHIPS OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES INCLUDING COCAINE ARE BEEN BROUGHT IN AND SHIPPED OUT OF SIERRA LEONE. WE KNOW THIS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE A CLEAR INFORMATION BACKED UP WITH VIDEO FOOTAGES. THIS HINEOUS CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY WILL NEVER GO UNPUNISHED.