Committee to Protect Journalists Warns President Bio Against Signing Counter Terrorism Bill

A newly passed counterterrorism bill in Sierra Leone is facing intense scrutiny from press freedom advocates, who warn it poses a “significant threat” to journalists and civic expression.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold his signature from the legislation, demanding amendments to protect press freedom.

Sierra Leone’s parliament approved the Counterterrorism Act, 2024, on March 11th, and it is now awaiting presidential assent, according to information released by the parliament and confirmed by Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.

“President Julius Maada Bio should not assent to Sierra Leone’s terror bill without ensuring that sections hostile to press freedom are amended,” stated Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa regional director, from New York.

“Sierra Leone’s lawmakers and executive should safeguard the rights to press freedom and free expression as part of their work to protect their country against the threat of terrorism.”

CPJ’s review of the bill highlights several provisions that raise alarm. Sections 17(f) and 32(f) criminalize the dissemination of information deemed “false” by the sender, with potential penalties of life imprisonment and 15 years, respectively. Additionally, Section 4 grants authorities broad powers to “request and obtain information” from any individual or entity.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has echoed CPJ’s concerns, releasing an analysis that concludes the bill’s “broad language and harsh penalties pose a significant threat to press freedom and civic expression.” Local media outlets have also voiced similar concerns.

Presidential spokesperson Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, when contacted, dismissed CPJ’s concerns as “unjustifiable.”