By Joe Turay
A UK-based advocacy group has called for the immediate release of detained Sierra Leonean activist Zainab Sheriff, describing her continued detention as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The Community Reform Network (CRN) said in a statement that Sheriff has been held for 27 days by the Sierra Leone Police after her arrest on February 20 over allegations of incitement and insulting behaviour.
The charges stem from remarks she made during an opposition rally organised by the All People’s Congress at Attouga Stadium on January 31.
CRN said Sheriff has appeared in court multiple times but has repeatedly been denied bail, arguing that her detention violates provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, including guarantees on freedom of expression and personal liberty.
“The continued detention constitutes a clear violation of her fundamental rights,” the group said, citing constitutional protections that require suspects to be informed of charges, granted access to legal counsel, and brought before a court within 72 hours for non-capital offences.
The organisation also pointed to the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which it said makes offences of this nature ordinarily bailable unless prosecutors provide compelling justification.
CRN further alleged that Sheriff has been subjected to intimidation and ill-treatment while in custody, claims that have not been independently verified.
The group maintained that her remarks at the rally were not an incitement to violence, but rather a conditional warning about potential unrest if electoral processes were undermined.
Sheriff’s detention has drawn criticism from some civil society actors, with CRN warning it could undermine efforts to promote women’s participation in politics in Sierra Leone.
The organisation urged authorities, including the government of President Julius Maada Bio, to uphold constitutional protections and either release Sheriff immediately or grant her bail.
CRN also called on international bodies, including Amnesty International, ECOWAS, the African Union, and the International Criminal Court, to press Sierra Leone to respect its human rights obligations.
Authorities in Sierra Leone have not yet publicly responded to the statement.
