Renowned Sierra Leonean lawyer and human rights advocate, Ady Macauley, has strongly criticized the government for the recent arrest of Hawa Hunt, describing the incident as a blatant display of state oppression and intimidation.

Hawa Hunt was arrested live on television, an act Macauley labeled as “petty, sad, and plain vindictiveness.” While the arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, others view it as a justified move by the authorities.

In his statement, Macauley did not mince words about what he perceives as a disturbing pattern of state behavior.

“Arresting someone on live television is a new low, but it’s not surprising at all. The State has over time shown that it can stop at nothing in its intimidation and oppression. Even the slightest provocation from ordinary citizens gets a strong and disproportionate response from the police,” Macauley said