A well-known environmental activist, Trevor Young, was arrested and later released by police after he shared a video online about a recent encounter with law enforcement, his statement shows.
Trevor Young, the founder of the Sierra Leone To The Top Beach Cleaning Project, said officers stopped the kehkeh he was riding at Congo Cross, leading to his arrest. He was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and held by the cybercrime unit.
Police accused him of cyberbullying and cyberstalking the Sierra Leone Police over the video, he said. The recording included his account of the stop, as well as comments from a woman in Aberdeen who shared her own experiences with police.
Young said the video was peaceful and did not promote violence. He questioned how the cybercrime law is being applied, suggesting that describing personal experiences with public officials should not be treated as a crime. He raised concerns about the impact on freedom of speech and press freedom in Sierra Leone.
In his statement, Young said people should be able to talk about their interactions with authorities without fear of arrest. He also expressed appreciation for the support he received from members of the public during his detention and thanked CID officers for their professionalism.
Young confirmed he has now been released. His arrest has triggered debate among citizens and activists about the limits of the cybercrime law and the space for public discussion in the country.
