A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has expressed serious concern over disciplinary proceedings initiated against human rights lawyer and activist, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, Esq., by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the CSOs disclosed that the disciplinary complaint was filed by the Deputy Master and Registrar on behalf of the Judiciary, a move they say raises troubling questions about freedom of expression, professional independence, and the administration of justice.
According to the organisations, the action comes at a time when increased public discourse has focused on governance issues within the judiciary and broader concerns affecting the justice sector. While acknowledging that legal practitioners are bound by ethical standards, the CSOs emphasised that lawyers also enjoy constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, particularly when speaking on matters of public interest and legal education.
The groups stressed that the judiciary, like all public institutions, must remain open to scrutiny and criticism, noting that constructive and even strong criticism should be viewed as an opportunity for reflection, reform, and the rebuilding of public trust, rather than grounds for disciplinary sanctions.
The statement further urged the General Legal Council to uphold fairness and impartiality in handling the matter, cautioning against any perception that the disciplinary process could be used to suppress dissenting views or alternative professional opinions within the legal community.
“Disciplinary mechanisms should serve the principles of accountability and integrity, not institutional self-defence,” the CSOs noted.
The organisations said they will continue to monitor developments closely, reaffirming their commitment to protecting civic space, professional independence, and public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.
The statement was jointly signed 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), the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), and Citizens’ Barray (CB).
