Concerns Grow Over Detained Influencer in Sierra Leone

February 10, 2025

Human rights groups and family members are raising alarms over the health and treatment of social media influencer Hawa Hunt, who has been in detention for over a month in Sierra Leone. Hunt, a dual citizen of Canada and Sierra Leone, was arrested live on television during a reality show for comments she made online about the country’s president and first lady.

Charged under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 for allegedly inciting public disorder, Hunt has been denied bail multiple times. While she appeared in a video apologizing for her remarks and stating she was treated well, her daughter and activists believe this was a forced confession. Concerns have been raised about conditions in the prison, including poor food quality, overcrowding, and allegations of physical abuse.

Advocacy groups argue that Hunt’s arrest is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to suppress dissent. Calls for her release and a fair trial continue, with critics warning that such cases set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in the country.