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Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio has called for the release of reality TV star Hawa Hunt, who was arrested in December for social media comments critical of the president and his wife.
Hawa Hunt, known for her online presence with over 100,000 followers, was arrested live on the reality TV show “House of Stars” on December 22nd. Her arrest stems from videos and comments she made on social media in May 2023 criticizing President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.
She now faces charges of “transmitting insulting messages via a computer system” under Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. Prosecutors allege her video incited public disorder and defamed the president and his wife.
In a video released on social media Saturday, coinciding with the first day of Ramadan, Fatima Bio denied any involvement in Hunt’s arrest and prosecution.
The first lady acknowledged that she had blocked Hunt on Facebook in 2022 due to repeated insults directed at her, her family, and President Julius Maada Bio. However, she insisted this did not translate to any involvement in Hunt’s current legal situation.
“A lot of people have been pointing fingers at me over Hawa Hunt. I want to make it clear that I have no idea who arrested Hawa Hunt or why she was arrested. I have nothing to do with it.”
“The Attorney General, Lawyers, police, or judiciary. I’m begging whoever is behind Hawa Hunt’s incarceration, please leave her to go and be with her children. No child deserves to be without their parents, especially their mother.” Fatima Bio said.
Hour work shall follow you, and remember one good turn deserved another.
Wow that’s awesome thanks you mummy you’re indeed a good mother for our nation
Over (60) years now, we still hold on to “Oh Salone”.
Salone is blessed to have a fervent Muslim our mother and first lady of Sierra Leone.
Our mother Fatima Bio has proved to the people of Sierra Leone that Islam is a peaceful religion.
Today is a first day of Ramadan and our mother has forgiven someone who was allegedly a hunt to her and her family.
May Allah continue to bless HE Fatima and her family.
Ramadan Kareem to her, her family and the people of Sierra Leone.
😆😆😆😆
Amin ya Allah, land that we love our Sierra Leone. Jazakailahun Kaira(May Allah gives you a better reward Amin).
That’s great of our first lady. The heart of forgiveness is the heart of God. You are blessed my dear.
Our first lady you show the world that the religion you believe is a peaceful and forgiving religion, may Allah continue to blessed you as prove so calm .when you they explain to the world about your status the problem of hawa hunt I fell emotional I cry from you voice make God touch all the one way responsible to the arrested en listen to plead for her . May Allah reward you abondantly .
Thanks very much our mother of the nation for your kindness.
90% of a true sierra Leonean is not in favor of what Hawa Hunt did, but never the less you the mother of the nation some people will like you other will not
That’s life.
May Allah guide and protect you and God bless Mama salon.
One of the most calm and beautiful talks I have patiently listened to, that’s so kind of you mam. God bless you.