Freedom of Expression Under Threat

By: Christian Conteh

The arrest of lawyer Joy Precious Bayoh has sparked a fierce debate about freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. Bayoh was detained by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police on allegations of cyberstalking President Julius Maada Bio, following a tweet questioning the legitimacy of Adama Tuma Kamara (née Jabbie) as the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.

The controversy began on June 11, 2024, when President Bio shared a tweet reaffirming Kamara’s position as the Bar Association President. In response, Bayoh posted a critical tweet reflecting the sentiments of many lawyers who do not recognize Kamara as their representative. Her tweet, which questioned the legitimacy of Kamara’s leadership, led to her arrest and detention.

Critics argue that the arrest of Bayoh exemplifies the dangers posed by the Cyber Security and Crimes Act, which many believe is being used to stifle dissent and limit free speech. This incident has drawn widespread concern, particularly within the legal community, where several lawyers view it as an attempt to silence opposing voices.

“When we warned that the Cyber Security and Crimes Act was more dangerous than the Criminal Libel Law, many called us cynical.”

The arrest of Bayoh, a respected member of the legal community, underscores these fears and has ignited a broader discussion on the implications of online speech.

Legal experts and human rights advocates are now questioning the balance between protecting public figures from cyber harassment and upholding the fundamental right to free speech. Bayoh’s case highlights the tension between these two priorities, raising important questions about the extent to which individuals can express their opinions on social media without fear of retribution.

The arrest has also drawn attention to President Bio’s freedom of expression credentials, with critics arguing that his administration is increasingly intolerant of dissent. The legal community is particularly concerned about the precedent this sets for other lawyers and citizens who use social media to voice their opinions on public matters.

As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to fuel discussions about the limits of free speech and the role of legislation in regulating online behaviour. For now, Bayoh’s detention serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of freedom of expression in Sierra Leone.

Joy Bayoh Esq was eventually released after spending the night in detention.