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Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed a new anti-terrorism bill that could lead to long prison sentences for journalists and limit access to information if signed into law.
The bill was approved on 11 March and now awaits the signature of President Julius Maada Bio.
The bill gives state authorities broad powers to act in the name of national security. It defines a terrorist act as any violent act or threat that harms national security or public safety. The wording does not give specific definitions, leaving room for interpretation by judicial authorities.
The bill includes sentences of up to 30 years for offenses that could affect journalists reporting on sensitive issues. One article allows a 15-year prison sentence for sharing information that is known or suspected to be false, with no exceptions for journalistic work. Other sections set a minimum of 25 years for distributing materials that may be seen as encouraging or connected to terrorism, including content shared online.
It also allows authorities to request and collect information from individuals or organizations, which could impact the confidentiality of journalistic sources.
Although Sierra Leone has not faced recent attacks from terrorist groups, the president has described earlier unrest and protests as terrorist acts. These include the August 2022 protests over the cost of living and earlier incidents during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also accused the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress, of inciting the violence.
Reporters Without Borders has called on the president not to sign the bill unless it is revised to include clear protections for journalists. The group has asked for changes to ensure that reporting in the public interest is not treated as terrorism, and that journalists can protect their sources.
Sierra Leone is currently ranked 56th out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Media groups say that progress made in recent years could be at risk if the law is enacted without changes.
