Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft Act, 1974
An Act creating the offence of unlawful seizure of aircraft (hijacking) in Sierra Leone, giving effect to international conventions.
Summary
The Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft Act, 1974 creates the offence of unlawfully seizing or exercising control of an aircraft — hijacking — and related offences, giving domestic effect to the international convention on the subject (the Hague Convention of 1970).
The Act criminalises the seizure or control of an aircraft by force, threat or intimidation, provides for jurisdiction (including over offences committed outside Sierra Leone in defined circumstances) and prescribes severe penalties. Together with the Act on unlawful interference with civil aviation, it forms part of the framework protecting aviation against hijacking and terrorism.
Main provisions
- Creates the offence of unlawful seizure of aircraft (hijacking).
- Criminalises seizing or controlling an aircraft by force or threat.
- Provides for jurisdiction, including over certain offences committed abroad.
- Prescribes severe penalties.
- Gives effect to the international convention against hijacking.