Sierra Leone / Judicial reform: Abolition of the death penalty and protection of fundamental rights under the leadership of President Maada Bio

In Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has etched his name in history by leading a series of major judicial reforms, breaking with an authoritarian past. Among these advances, the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of the 55-year-old seditious libel law, an In Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has etched his name in history by leading a series of major judicial reforms, breaking with an authoritarian past. Among these advances, the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of the 55-year-old seditious libel law, and the ban on child marriage mark a clear rupture with the repressive practices of bygone days.

On July 23, 2021, the Sierra Leonean Parliament voted unanimously to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, a decision promulgated by Maada Bio in October 2021.

This reform, hailed by human rights organizations, replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment or sentences of at least 30 years, while leaving judges discretion to take mitigating circumstances into account.

At the same time, the government repealed the seditious libel section of the 1965 Public Order Act, a law used for decades to muzzle the press and suppress freedom of expression. This measure, adopted in July 2020, was hailed as a major victory for democracy and media freedom in Sierra Leone.

Finally, the ban on child marriage, promulgated in 2024, completes this framework for the protection of fundamental rights. This reform aims to put an end to a practice that affected thousands of young girls, depriving them of their education and autonomy.

These reforms bear witness to Maada Bio’s determination to build a rule-of-law state founded on respect for human rights, justice, and freedom. By breaking with an authoritarian legacy, Sierra Leone is embarking on the path toward a more inclusive democracy that respects universal values.

 the ban on child marriage mark a clear rupture with the repressive practices of bygone days.

On July 23, 2021, the Sierra Leonean Parliament voted unanimously to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, a decision promulgated by Maada Bio in October 2021. This reform, hailed by human rights organizations, replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment or sentences of at least 30 years, while leaving judges discretion to take mitigating circumstances into account.

At the same time, the government repealed the seditious libel section of the 1965 Public Order Act, a law used for decades to muzzle the press and suppress freedom of expression.

 This measure, adopted in July 2020, was hailed as a major victory for democracy and media freedom in Sierra Leone.

Finally, the ban on child marriage, promulgated in 2024, completes this framework for the protection of fundamental rights. This reform aims to put an end to a practice that affected thousands of young girls, depriving them of their education and autonomy.

These reforms bear witness to Maada Bio’s determination to build a rule-of-law state founded on respect for human rights, justice, and freedom.

 By breaking with an authoritarian legacy, Sierra Leone is embarking on the path toward a more inclusive democracy that respects universal values.