Several leading civil society organisations in Sierra Leone have voiced strong concerns over ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, warning that the move could shrink civic space and weaken public trust in the justice system.
In a joint statement released in Freetown on Thursday, the organisations disclosed that the disciplinary complaint was filed by the Deputy Master and Registrar on behalf of the Judiciary.
They described the development as worrisome, particularly at a time when national discussions around judicial governance and the administration of justice are gaining momentum.
The groups acknowledged that members of the legal profession are required to adhere to ethical and professional standards, but stressed that these obligations should not override constitutional protections, especially the right to freedom of expression on issues of public concern.
They emphasised that the Constitution guarantees free expression and that public institutions, including the judiciary, must be open to criticism and public scrutiny. According to the organisations, robust and even critical commentary should be viewed as part of democratic engagement rather than professional misconduct.
The statement cautioned against the use of disciplinary procedures in ways that could be interpreted as attempts to silence critical voices or suppress differing legal opinions within the profession.
“Disciplinary mechanisms should reinforce accountability and integrity, not be seen as instruments of institutional self-protection,” the groups noted.
Reiterating their commitment to democratic principles, the civil society organisations said they would continue to closely follow the matter and advocate for the protection of civic freedoms, professional independence and public confidence in democratic institutions.
The statement was jointly endorsed by the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Campaign for Human Rights and Development (CHRDI), Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDNSL), Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), and Citizens’ Barray (CB).
As at the time of filing this report, neither the Judiciary nor the General Legal Council had issued an official response to the concerns raised.
