By Saio Marrah
Member of Parliament, Abdul Karim Kamara, of constituency 059, Kambia District, has expressed concern over the Cybercrime Act 2020, noting that it is a sensitive bill and could be used by governments to oppress the oppositions and other people that are critical of a particular regime.
The MP raised this concern on Thursday 11th March 2021, in the well of parliament during the debate of the Cybercrime Bill 2020. The bill is seeking to provide for the prevention of the abusive use of computer system, to provide for the timely and effective collection of electronic evidence for the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime, and ensure the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure, it will also facilitate international cooperation in dealing with cybercrime and its related matters.
He said most of the regulatory panel that have been constituted are all appointees of the president.
“When you look at this from a political lens, it could be seen as one which government tends to oppress oppositions people and this is more so worrisome when you take a closer look at the regulating panel that has been constituted, almost everybody in that panel except but for few are ministers of the state and also appointees of the president,” he said
He added: “Meaning if you are a critical mind of a particular regime and you are using the social media to vent out your concerns you’ve been trampled upon. Using regulatory committee that is being constituted, will not be favourable to you.”
He also argued that the government must not make laws aiming at certain people. He, therefore, called for proper Public sensitization on the bill because he said it is “very critical”.
The Chairman of the committee on information and communication, Boston Munda of constituency 021, Kenema District, said Cybercrime is a global issue that is also affecting Sierra Leone. According to him, many African countries have lost both money and data for which many African states have domesticated the cybercrime into their laws in adherence to the Budapest convention.
Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, Bai Kurr Kanabgaro Sanka III, Tonkolili District, while joining other members of parliament to acknowledge the importance of cybercrime law called for expert training on areas related to cybercrime for the security of the state. He also added that members of parliament be properly informed and prepared for any upcoming debate of the bill as most MPs are not even aware of the bill that will be debated in the next session.
The leader of the Coalition for Change, (C4C), Saa Emerson Lamina, said that justice needs to be done to the bill. Pointing out that the enactment of the bill will save lives address e-market and curb cybercrime.
The Deputy Leader of Government Business in parliament, Bashiru Silikie, while calling for the adjournment of the debate due to the sensitiveness of the cybercrime Act, called on Police and the Office of National Security (ONS) to be present in parliament for the next adjourn date for the debate.
The Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Rahman Swaray said the object of the bill is to make provision for the prevention of the abusive use of computer systems. He pointed out that 75% of Sierra Leoneans are using digital space. Thus, the need for improving and protecting citizens’ rights is necessary. He also said Sierra Leone will benefit from international cooperation through the Budapest Convention if the bill is enacted.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 15/05/21
