Call for Presidential Clemency for Zainab Sheriff
Call for Presidential Clemency for Zainab Sheriff
The Issue
My name is Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, and like Zainab Sheriff, I am a survivor. I know firsthand what it means to live with trauma, to navigate systems that often overlook the nuances of justice and fairness, and to find your voice in spaces that can be dismissive.
This personal journey is what drives my commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of women and girls, reflected in the work done by A Girl At A Time.
Zainab Sheriff, a woman of incredible resilience and strength, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for speech-related offences. While we fully respect the rule of law, her case raises significant concerns about fairness, proportionality, and compassion. Her sentencing is not just about justice, but also about humanity. In light of Sierra Leone's upcoming Independence Day, we ask the President to consider either pardoning Zainab or reducing her sentence.
Zainab is a war survivor whose life and work have been dedicated to uplifting young people in Sierra Leone, using her platform for positive change and empowerment. She stands as a beacon of hope for many, embodying the spirit of resilience and altruism in a nation still healing from its past. Her imprisonment serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and human dignity in Sierra Leone.
In February 2021, Sierra Leone joined the global conversation on human rights by decriminalizing seditious libel. A monumental step towards the protection of free speech. Yet, Zainab's case presents a contradiction to these achievements, highlighting inconsistencies in application that require our urgent attention.
This is not just a legal issue; it's about the values we collectively uphold as a society. As Sierra Leone approaches its Independence Day, let us reflect on what true independence and justice mean. Let us stand with Zainab, a symbol of courage and change, and urge the President to act with compassion and justice. By signing this petition, you can help appeal for a balanced approach.
A justice system that mirrors the truth and compassion we hold dear. Please join me in this call for justice balanced with humanity by signing this petition today.
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The Issue
My name is Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, and like Zainab Sheriff, I am a survivor. I know firsthand what it means to live with trauma, to navigate systems that often overlook the nuances of justice and fairness, and to find your voice in spaces that can be dismissive.
This personal journey is what drives my commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of women and girls, reflected in the work done by A Girl At A Time.
Zainab Sheriff, a woman of incredible resilience and strength, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for speech-related offences. While we fully respect the rule of law, her case raises significant concerns about fairness, proportionality, and compassion. Her sentencing is not just about justice, but also about humanity. In light of Sierra Leone's upcoming Independence Day, we ask the President to consider either pardoning Zainab or reducing her sentence.
Zainab is a war survivor whose life and work have been dedicated to uplifting young people in Sierra Leone, using her platform for positive change and empowerment. She stands as a beacon of hope for many, embodying the spirit of resilience and altruism in a nation still healing from its past. Her imprisonment serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and human dignity in Sierra Leone.
In February 2021, Sierra Leone joined the global conversation on human rights by decriminalizing seditious libel. A monumental step towards the protection of free speech. Yet, Zainab's case presents a contradiction to these achievements, highlighting inconsistencies in application that require our urgent attention.
This is not just a legal issue; it's about the values we collectively uphold as a society. As Sierra Leone approaches its Independence Day, let us reflect on what true independence and justice mean. Let us stand with Zainab, a symbol of courage and change, and urge the President to act with compassion and justice. By signing this petition, you can help appeal for a balanced approach.
A justice system that mirrors the truth and compassion we hold dear. Please join me in this call for justice balanced with humanity by signing this petition today.
27
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 14 April 2026