Sierra Leone has enacted draconian counter-terrorism laws that threaten civil liberties, particularly for critics of President Julius Maada Bio. The laws provide legal justification for government crackdowns on dissent, raising concerns over democratic erosion and lack of public consultation.
Sierra Leone has recently enacted new counter-terrorism laws that put citizens at risk of being labeled terrorists for merely criticizing the government of President Julius Maada Bio. Bio, who abolished the death penalty but has resorted to extrajudicial killings, came to power in 2018 after a long opposition career without facing arrest or police scrutiny.
Since his inauguration, President Bio has reportedly been responsible for the deaths of over 200 protesters. The recently passed laws provide the ruling SLPP party with a legal framework to intensify its crackdown on opposition figures and individuals criticizing the government on social media. This legislative move has sparked concerns over the lack of public consultation and collaboration with the comatose main opposition, the APC party.
Critics express alarm that these developments align with a global trend of diminishing respect for human rights and legal norms, particularly in poorer nations. The new law exacerbates Sierra Leone’s already stringent cyber laws, threatening the country’s fragile democracy and undermining the civil liberties that many fought to protect during the brutal civil war.
Ultimately, Sierra Leone does not require harsher laws but rather robust and transparent institutions led by dedicated and uncorrupted leaders focused on eradicating poverty and advocating for citizens’ rights.
In summary, the recent passage of counter-terrorism laws in Sierra Leone poses significant threats to civil liberties, particularly for those who openly criticize the government. There is growing concern that these laws, introduced with minimal public engagement and in a political context of dictatorial tendencies, risk further eroding the country’s fragile democracy. It is imperative that Sierra Leone redirects its focus towards strengthening democratic institutions and addressing the root causes of poverty rather than implementing draconian legal measures.
Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com
