Amnesty International Demands Release of Sierra Leonean TV Star Detained for Criticizing President

February 2, 2025

Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Hawa Hunt, a well-known Sierra Leonean-Canadian artist and reality TV star, who has been in detention for over a month on charges of insulting the President and First Lady.

Hunt, 42, was arrested on December 22, 2024, while appearing on the reality show House of Stars. She faces charges under Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 for allegedly posting a viral social media video that authorities claim incited public disorder and defamed President Julius Maada Bio and his wife.

Amnesty International has raised concerns over Hunt’s prolonged detention and the repeated denial of bail. The organization argues that her continued imprisonment violates international standards of due process and calls for her immediate release.

Critics of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act argue that it restricts freedom of expression and contradicts Sierra Leone’s constitutional protections for speech and peaceful assembly. Civil rights groups have urged the government to review the law to align it with international human rights standards.