Prominent lawyers, politicians and civil society activists in Sierra Leone have called for the release of opposition figure and entertainer Zainab Sheriff, arguing that her imprisonment reflects growing pressure on free speech and political dissent in the country.
Sheriff, a popular singer and former reality television contestant who later became politically active with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), was sentenced in April to four years and two months imprisonment on charges of incitement and using threatening language.
The charges stemmed from remarks she allegedly made during a political rally in January. Prosecutors told the court that Sheriff stated that individuals involved in election rigging had “stolen the people’s vote,” committed treason and deserved to be killed alongside their families.
Sheriff pleaded not guilty after her arrest on 20 February. She was denied bail several times before being sentenced on 14 April and is currently being held at the female correctional facility in Freetown.
The case has triggered widespread debate across Sierra Leone, with critics accusing the government of increasingly using the legal system to silence dissenting voices.
Among those speaking out is Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who described Sheriff’s sentencing as politically motivated.
“A lot of us feel this isn’t about Sheriff’s words,” Aki-Sawyerr reportedly said. “This is about Sheriff being used as a very visible, high-profile example of what you must not do in this society now. You must not speak your mind or you can end up in jail.”
The mayor further warned that the situation was creating fear among citizens and opposition supporters, describing the development as dangerous for Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Human rights advocates have also condemned the ruling. Willietta Hughes, Legal Manager for AdvocAid, argued that no evidence was presented in court to prove Sheriff’s comments caused violence or public unrest.
Hughes described the sentence as excessive and said the proceedings at times resembled a “show trial.”
“We have seen people who have said far worse and were either not prosecuted or received lighter punishment,” she said, adding that the case appeared intended to discourage outspoken criticism of authorities.
The controversy surrounding Sheriff’s conviction comes amid broader concerns over freedom of expression in Sierra Leone.
In 2024, social media influencer Hawa Hunt was arrested during a live television programme over comments she allegedly made about President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio. She spent several weeks in detention before her release.
International observers have also raised concerns over the country’s political climate since the disputed June 2023 elections. The The Carter Center and other observer missions questioned the transparency of the electoral tabulation process, while opposition parties rejected the official results.
In 2023, United Nations human rights experts also wrote to President Bio regarding the detention and alleged mistreatment of dozens of protesters, mostly women, arrested during anti-government demonstrations linked to rising living costs and economic hardship.
Women’s rights campaigners say Sheriff’s case also highlights the challenges female politicians and activists face in Sierra Leone’s political space.
Nemata Majeks Walker, founder of the 50/50 Group, recently expressed concern over what she described as increasing intimidation of outspoken women.
“It is sad that women’s voices are being oppressed, but women will continue to speak up,” she said.
Despite mounting criticism, the Sierra Leone government has maintained that the judiciary operates independently and that the rule of law must be respected. However, opposition supporters and civil society organisations continue to call for Sheriff’s release and for greater protections for freedom of expression and political participation in the country.
