Sierra Leonean musician and media entrepeneur , Zainab Sheriff, has been granted bail by the SLPP Paopa Government. She was arrested for a viral video on social media accusing President Bio of extrajudicial killings.
Zainab spent two nights in jail at the CID before her release . According to Lawyer Basita Michael, Zainab Sheriff has been granted bail by the police with a condition that she should return when required. Police have indicated they are investigating an offence under sec 44 of cybersecurity and crime act 2021 based on the video she released. She was represented by the team at ILRAJ and Wright and Co.
Sierra Leoneans all over the world have condemned the arrest on social media and expressed fears about the increasing dictatorship, political repression , lack of democracy and totalitarianism under the President Maada Bio government.
Thanks to our Community Husband, Women’s Rights Champion Ngo Joseph Kaifala, AdvocAid, Amnesty International, Basita Michael especially the ILRAJ Team, family, friends and everyone here who in divergent ways stood up for Zainab O. Sheriff!!!
Basita Michael
After 2 nights in police custody, Zainab Sheriff has been granted bail by the police with a condition that she should return when required. Police have indicated they are investigating an offence under sec 44 of cybersecurity and crime act 2021 based on the video she released. She was represented by the team at ILRAJ and Wright and Co.
Zainab Sheriff’s utterances in her video were merely her own way of echoing the frustration disappointment, sadness and loss of faith most citizens feel not only towards the government but also towards the APC and NGC. It is a cry for rescue. A cry for protection. A cry for a fatherly intervention. Not for herself but for our sisters and brothers who are trapped in poverty drugs and unemployment. No political party to look up to. Given the tension and division in our country, it is a loud cry born out of fear of the worst that could happen to SierraLeone. It’s her own way of voicing out citizens yearning for a better Future.A call for our leaders from the SLPP APC and NGC to shape up or ship out. Responding to her by way of arrest and detention will only serve to drive a wedge between citizens and the government.I trust the Police will realise this and ensure her immediate release.His Excellency the President has on numerous occasions both domestically and abroad shine light on how well his government respond to criticism and respect the fundamental right to freedom of expression.The arrest and detention of Zainab by the police contradicts that.I add my voice to the calls of many for her release.
