The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise of death threats circulating on social media platforms.

These threats are specifically targeting citizens and state officials who are dedicated to serving the nation and contributing to the peace and development of Sierra Leone.

The SLP believes that these threats aim to create insecurity and discomfort among the targeted individuals, while also attempting to blackmail and instill fear in the minds of the general public, thereby distracting them from their national duties.

The SLP has observed with dismay that although these threatening messages originate from Sierra Leoneans residing in the diaspora, they are being amplified by bloggers residing within the country, using various social media channels.

“It must be noted that by the provisions of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2021, a person who shares any information that has the tendency to jeopardize national security commits the same offence as the one who originally authors such information,” the Police stated.

In response to this disturbing trend, the SLP emphasizes that such behavior is unacceptable and does not fall under the protection of freedom of speech or human rights. The police force is reminding anyone engaged in these reprehensible acts to immediately cease their activities or face the full force of the law.

Furthermore, the SLP wants to assure the public that it possesses the necessary capabilities to track, detect, and expose individuals involved in creating and sharing dangerous social media posts, including death threats.

“The police force remains committed and vigilant in providing security for all citizens of Sierra Leone at all times,” they assured.

The authority appealed to the public to continue with their normal lawful activities and refrain from any form of lawlessness and indiscipline. It is vital for every individual to uphold the principles of peace, respect, and unity, working together for the betterment of Sierra Leone.

“All are therefore entreated to go about their normal lawful activities and refrain from all aspects of lawlessness and indiscipline,” they concluded.