David Pratt, Canada’s Honorary Consul for Sierra Leone, has resigned in protest over the continued detention of Calgary resident Hawa Hunt.

Hunt has been held in Freetown’s Pademba Road Prison since December for social media posts criticizing Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio.

Pratt, a former Canadian defence minister, formally submitted his resignation to the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner in Washington, D.C., citing concerns over human rights violations.

In his resignation letter, he expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of the case and its failure to uphold fundamental freedoms.

“Sierra Leone must demonstrate a greater commitment to human rights, particularly freedom of speech,” Pratt stated. “Under these circumstances, I can no longer continue in my role.”

Speaking from Ottawa, Pratt described Hunt’s imprisonment as disproportionate and unnecessary.

He said his resignation was a direct message to Sierra Leonean officials, urging them to reflect on their treatment of a Canadian citizen.

“I want them to understand that this is unacceptable,” he said, emphasizing his concern over the conditions at Pademba Road Prison, where Hunt remains in custody.

Hunt, a 43-year-old mother of three who has lived in Calgary for a decade, was arrested live on television in Freetown on December 22. She is facing charges under Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity and Crime Act for allegedly transmitting insulting messages via a computer system. Despite issuing a public apology, her bail requests have been repeatedly denied.