In a public notice issued by the Sierra Leone Government, it has been announced that Magistrates’ Courts across the nation will not be in session on Friday, 17th November, 2023. Furthermore, there will be no Court sittings before the High Court in the provinces on the same day.
This temporary suspension is attributed to a two-day consultative dialogue organized by the Judiciary in collaboration with the National Aids Secretariat (NAS) and other partners.
The dialogue, themed “Ending Inequality to end AIDS-Engaging the Judiciary in the National AIDS Response,” aims to bring together Judges, Magistrates, and senior Judiciary staff.
The primary focus is on sensitizing and raising awareness regarding HIV-AIDS prevention, treatment, stigma, and other human rights issues.
It is noteworthy that Friday, 17th November, 2023, marks the official closure of the High Court Criminal Session. Consequently, a designated Judge will preside over the closure of the Criminal Sessions.
Despite the temporary pause in court proceedings, the High Court Registry and other Registries will remain open throughout the country, ensuring essential legal services and administrative functions continue without disruption.
