By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Executive Director of LEGAL LINK and former Commissioner for Human Rights in Sierra Leone, Rashid Dumbuya Esq, has written an official letter to His Excellency, Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, appealing for a pre-emptive pardon for Hawa Madiana Hunt, a Canadian citizen currently detained at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Office of the First Lady, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and the Press.
In the letter dated February 14, 2025, LEGAL LINK commended President Bio’s leadership in passing progressive laws in Sierra Leone, citing key legislative milestones such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, the amended Sexual Offences Act (2019), the removal of Part V of the Public Order Act and the Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Act (2024). The organization also praised the First Lady for her advocacy efforts, particularly through the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign.
However, LEGAL LINK urged the President to intervene in the case of Hawa Madiana Hunt, a Social Media Commentator and Reality TV personality with dual Sierra Leonean and Canadian citizenship. Hawa Madiana Hunt was arrested on December 22, 2024, during a live broadcast of the Reality TV show: “House of Stars.” Her arrest was linked to a video she posted in May 2023, in which she criticized President Bio and the First Lady.
Hawa Madiana Hunt was subsequently charged under Section 44 (2) (b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021 for “sending insulting messages by means of a computer system.” State prosecutors claim the video damaged the reputations of the President and the First Lady. Following a preliminary investigation at the Magistrate Court, Hawa Madiana Hunt was found guilty and committed to the High Court for further trial. Her requests for bail were denied and she has remained in detention for nearly two months.
LEGAL LINK highlighted concerns raised by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, regarding Hawa Madiana Hunt’s prolonged detention and its implications for freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. The organization cited previous cases involving cyber-related charges where individuals were granted bail, including Zainab Sheriff and Abdul Kadiru Kaikai, a senior member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), who was released without charge after making incendiary statements.
LEGAL LINK argued that Hawa Madiana Hunt’s case demonstrates “selective justice” and urged President Bio to act prudently, emphasizing that she is also a Canadian citizen. The letter pointed out the strong diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and Canada, warning that the case could strain relations if not resolved through diplomatic means.
The organization further stressed that Hawa Madiana Hunt is a mother of three children in Canada and her prolonged detention has severely impacted her family’s well-being. It also noted the involvement of the Canadian Consulate in following the case closely. According to LEGAL LINK, Hawa Madiana Hunt’s detention has attracted international media attention, with reports portraying Sierra Leone in a negative light.
It should be noted that Alicia Hunt, the daughter of Hawa Madiana Hunt, who is based in Calgary, AB, Canada, wrote to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Office of the First Lady, expressing profound remorse for her mother’s actions and pleading for clemency. A copy of the letter was also sent to Rashid Dumbuya Esq., Lead Defense Counsel for Hawa Madiana Hunt in Sierra Leone, on February 13, 2025.
In her letter, Alicia acknowledged that her mother’s words were “harsh and unnecessary,” and she assured that Hawa Madiana Hunt had learned from her experience. She emphasized the emotional and psychological toll the situation has taken on their family, particularly her younger brother, who has struggled with depression during this period.
Alicia’s heartfelt plea detailed how her mother had missed Christmas, New Year’s celebrations and her birthday while in detention, further highlighting the distress faced by the family. She expressed confidence that her mother now understands the importance of expressing opinions without resorting to offensive language and assured the President and First Lady that such an incident would not happen again.
LEGAL LINK concluded its appeal by calling for an end to the criminalization of free speech under the Cyber Security and Crime Act, advocating instead for civil remedies in cases of alleged defamation. The organization warned that continued arrests and detentions for online expressions could undermine the Government’s efforts in promoting human rights, women’s empowerment and freedom of expression.
The appeal for clemency now rests in the hands of President Bio, as Hawa Madiana Hunt’s family, legal representatives and human rights organizations await a response from the Government.
