By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, March 7: The 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone has appealed to the judiciary to grant bail to Ms. Zainab Sheriff, who remains in custody after being denied bail three times despite pleading not guilty to charges of incitement and threatening language.
The women’s advocacy organization, which promotes gender parity and empowers women for leadership roles, issued the call ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. The Group emphasized that while it does not condone any violation of Sierra Leone’s laws, it believes bail should be granted in line with the country’s Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
Section 76(1) of the Act stipulates that bail “shall” be granted in all cases except those involving murder, treason, or charges carrying a maximum life sentence, unless prosecutors provide “good and sufficient reasons” for refusal.
The 50/50 Group noted that Ms. Sheriff’s continued detention raises concerns about fairness and equity in the judicial system. “We request bail for Ms. Sheriff to ‘Give to Gain’ a judicial system that people can rely on,” the statement read, linking the appeal to this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain.
The Group urged the Chief Justice, Attorney General, and Minister of Justice to ensure bail is granted by March 8, stressing that International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements and reaffirm their role in governance and decision-making.
The organization further pledged to continue advocacy training for women in politics, equipping them with knowledge of the law to strengthen their participation in governance.
“Let there be ‘Give to Gain’ by granting bail to Ms. Zainab Sheriff,” the Group concluded, extending International Women’s Day greetings to women, men, and children across Sierra Leone.