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Amnesty International has called for the release and guarantee of a fair trial for Hawa Hunt, a Sierra Leonean-Canadian artist and reality television personality detained for over a month.
Hunt was arrested on live television in December 2024 and charged with insulting the President and First Lady in a social media video.
Michèle Eken, senior researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, expressed concern over Hunt’s continued detention and the denial of her bail requests, noting reports of declining mental health.
Amnesty International urges Sierra Leonean authorities to release Hunt and ensure due process, including her right to a prompt court appearance. Eken emphasized that pre-trial detention should be used only when necessary and proportionate, with alternatives like bail preferred.
Amnesty International has previously raised concerns about the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, the law under which Hunt is being prosecuted. The organization has reported several potential violations of freedom of expression under this Act. Amnesty International argues that offenses like libel and defamation should be decriminalized and that Sierra Leonean law should align with international human rights obligations.
Hunt, a 42-year-old mother of three, criticized President Julius Maada Bio and his wife in a 25-minute viral video. She was arrested on December 22, 2024, while participating in the reality TV show “House of Stars.”
She faces two counts of “transmitting insulting messages via a computer system” under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. Prosecutors allege the video incited public disorder and damaged the reputation of the President and First Lady.
Hawa Hunt di not only criticized the President and his wife but spent most, of the 25 minutes grievously insulting the sitting President and wife as well as making false allegations against them. Amnesty International, you should rather be pleading on Hawa’s behaves rather than criticizing our Law.
Hawa Hunt personally attacked and insulted the first family. That is by no standard freedom of speech. Not even in matured democracies.
You,, people insult the Creator every day and night without repenting, but He never stops giving you chances to live.
The president and his wife should accept and know that, their others who do not like them to lead us while others like that. So, let them not be forced into a situation
Can you please try to access that video or if you had, then have another try and this time with special attentiveness
Know this, Respecting our leaders is not just a civic duty but also a divine command found in both the Bible and the Quran. Anyone who does not respect their leaders fails to uphold the values of respect and obedience that are emphasized in our holy scriptures.
The Bible states in Romans 13:1 (NIV):
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Similarly, the Quran instructs in Surah An-Nisa (4:59):
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”
These verses make it clear that leadership is ordained by God, and disrespecting legitimate authority is a sign of disregard for divine guidance. Criticism can be expressed respectfully and constructively, but outright insults, slander, and public humiliation are not justified. Hawa Hunt’s words were not a call for accountability but a display of personal attacks and disrespect.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to insult. As a society, we must uphold values of respect, especially when addressing those in leadership. If we claim to honor God, then we must also honor the principles He has set for us, including respecting our leaders.
These are some of the repercussions of drugs. The way I saw haunt video she has taken that moves her . Sierra Leoneans let us unity and fights this drugs rampage in our country. If not we will jail and kills many of our innocent people
Amnesty International’s call for Hawa Hunt’s release under the banner of freedom of expression fails to acknowledge a critical distinction—freedom of speech does not equate to freedom to insult and defame. Every democratic society has legal boundaries that protect individuals, including heads of state, from slander, incitement, and public disorder. No international human rights law grants a citizen the right to verbally abuse their president and first lady under the guise of free speech.
Hawa Hunt’s 25-minute viral video was not a constructive critique but a direct, malicious attack on President Julius Maada Bio and the First Lady. Her statements were not aimed at holding the government accountable but were instead filled with insults and baseless allegations. If anyone—regardless of their nationality or political affiliation—engages in such conduct, they should be prepared to face the legal consequences in line with the nation’s laws.
Hunt’s actions seem politically motivated, driven by her support for the SLPP party rather than a genuine concern for governance. This case is not about silencing dissent but about ensuring that public discourse remains respectful and does not incite unrest. While due process must be followed, and she should be treated humanely, if found guilty, she should face the appropriate legal consequences. This would serve as a lesson that political bias does not grant anyone the right to recklessly defame others, especially national leaders.
Freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly and within the legal framework of Sierra Leone. History has shown us the dangers of unchecked speech that fuels division and instability. Amnesty International should advocate for fair trials and human rights but also acknowledge that democratic freedoms come with responsibilities. If Hunt crosses legal and ethical lines, then justice must take its course.
Thank you,
Fogbawa.
Amnesty international are not serious. Who will insult the president of America and go free? Hunt should face the law to set an example. Insulting the president and his wife is not a freedom of speech that is mere rudeness and irresponsible on her side.