The High Court in Freetown has ruled that an appeal by Zainab Sheriff, a flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), may proceed to a full hearing on July 2, 2026. Sheriff was sentenced to four years imprisonment on April 14, 2026 for incitement and threatening language under Sierra Leone’s Public Order Act of 1965. Her lawyers argue the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction and that she was denied bail eight times. Justice Mark Ngegba dismissed the prosecution’s preliminary objection, noting the appeal raises significant concerns. The case has drawn attention from civil society and women’s groups concerned about freedom of expression and political participation.
Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Media Foundation For West Africa