Hawa Hunt Detained in Sierra Leone for Criticizing President, Family Appeals for Release

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – Hawa Hunt, a journalist and reality TV show host, has been languishing in a Sierra Leonean jail since late December 2024, after her arrest on live television for criticizing President Julius Maada Bio.

Hunt, who was filming an episode of her reality series in the capital city of Freetown, was taken into custody by security forces after she made comments deemed critical of the president.

Her family, who have been advocating for her release, expressed concern over Hunt’s prolonged detention and the lack of transparency surrounding her case.

“Hawa’s arrest and detention are a clear violation of her rights to freedom of speech and expression,” said her brother, Mohamed Hunt. “We urge the Sierra Leonean authorities to release her immediately and drop all charges against her.”

Hunt’s arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from local and international press freedom organizations, who have called on the Sierra Leonean government to respect the rights of journalists and citizens to express themselves freely.

“The detention of Hawa Hunt is a disturbing attack on press freedom and the right to free speech,” said Amnesty International’s West Africa Researcher, Sabrina Mahtani. “The Sierra Leonean authorities must release her immediately and ensure that she is not persecuted for exercising her right to freedom of expression.”

As Hunt’s detention enters its third month, her family and supporters remain hopeful that she will be released soon and reunited with her loved ones.

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