Sierra Leone: Authorities must release and guarantee fair trial for TV personality detained under accusations of insulting the President and First Lady

Reacting to the ongoing detention of Hawa Hunt, a Sierra Leonean-Canadian artist and reality television personality who was arrested on live television in December 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, said:

“Hawa Hunt has now been detained for over a month. Her multiple requests for bail have been refused while her mental health is being affected, according to her lawyer. We call on the Sierra Leonean authorities to release Hawa Hunt and observe all due process guarantees for her in line with international standards, including her right to be brought in front of a court promptly. A criminal defendant may be detained pending trial only when necessary and proportionate to their offences, and non-custodial arrangements such as bail, should be preferred.  

“Amnesty International has already expressed its concern about the law used to prosecute Hawa Hunt – the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021. Several cases of possible violations of the right to freedom of expression under the Cyber Security and Crime Act have previously been reported. Offences such as libel and defamation should be decriminalized. Sierra Leonean law should be brought into line with the country’s international human rights obligations.”

Background

In a 25-minute video which went viral on social media, Hawa Hunt, a 42-year-old artist and well-known TV personality, criticized President Julius Maada Bio and his wife.     

The mother of three was arrested on 22 December 2024 on live television while she was participating as a contestant in the Sierra Leonean reality television show “House of Stars.” She has been held in detention since then.

She faces two counts of “transmitting insulting messages via a computer system” in accordance with the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. Prosecutors claim the video incited public disorder and damaged the reputation of President and his wife.