Sierra Leone’s recent counter-terrorism laws could criminalize dissent, raising fears of governmental repression against critics, while undermining the nation’s fragile democracy. President Julius Maada Bio’s administration is accused of escalating violence against opposition voices and diminishing civil liberties since he took office in 2018.
Sierra Leone has recently enacted controversial counter-terrorism legislation, causing concern among its citizens regarding the potential for being labeled as terrorists for merely voicing dissent against the government. Under President Julius Maada Bio, who previously abolished the death penalty, there have been alarming reports of state-sponsored violence resulting in over 200 fatalities among protesters since he assumed office in 2018.
The new counter-terrorism laws pose significant threats to civil liberties in Sierra Leone, exacerbating fears of governmental repression against critics. The lack of public consultation in the legislative process further undermines democratic practices. The country’s focus should be on strengthening institutions and leadership rather than implementing oppressive laws that could jeopardize its fragile democracy.
Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com
