The Zainab Sheriff trial: justice or message?
Zainab’s conviction is bad for Sierra Leone. In this day and age, we should not be convicting and jailing people for what they say, especially when enforcement appears selective. The situation was entirely avoidable. Zainab’s statements carry little or no weight; she holds no formal authority within any political party. With all respect due her for her personal achievements, her words are of little concern and do not warrant the full force of the State. This is why many argue the case goes beyond Zainab Sheriff. It appears to send a message. A warning to other critical voices who dare to speak freely.