The Lawyers’ Society has expressed strong concern over the conviction and sentencing of entertainment personality Zainab Sheriff, describing the judgment as “unjustifiably excessive” and a potential infringement on fundamental rights.
In a press release issued on 16 April 2026, the Society referenced the ruling delivered by Magistrate Brima Jah in the case of Inspector General of Police v. Zainab Sheriff, in which she was sentenced to four years and two months.
The legal body argued that the comments attributed to Sheriff, which formed the basis of the prosecution, were made in the exercise of her constitutional right to freedom of expression and opinion. It maintained that such expressions should not ordinarily attract criminal proceedings, particularly where related regulatory penalties had already been imposed and settled by the concerned political party through the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), “the questionable legality of the fine notwithstanding,” the Society noted.
The Lawyers’ Society further raised concerns over the court’s decision to deny bail throughout the summary trial, stating that it ran contrary to the presumption of innocence and provisions under the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024, which it says emphasize the right to bail.
According to the Society, the ruling and the severity of the sentence risk sending a discouraging message to citizens regarding free expression. It warned that such outcomes could create an environment where individuals may feel restrained from expressing diverse or unpopular opinions.
“The freedom to express legitimate opinions is an essential component of democracy,” the statement emphasized, adding that the sentence appears “unnecessarily severe” in the context of the alleged conduct.
In light of these concerns, the Society is calling on the Chief Justice to exercise summary review powers under Cap 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, urging him to consider acquitting and discharging Sheriff, referencing similar recent interventions in cases of perceived unfair sentencing.
The Lawyers’ Society reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and advocating for governance systems that protect fundamental rights and promote democratic freedoms in Sierra Leone.
