The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised strong concerns over what it describes as the judiciary’s persistent failure to comply with Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Act, 2013.

In a statement issued on Monday, CHRDI said the judiciary’s disregard for legal procedures governing public access to information undermines accountability and erodes confidence in the justice system.

The organisation disclosed that on 21 August 2025, it submitted a formal request to the judiciary seeking details on the 2018 Commissions of Inquiry cases, particularly matters before the Appeals and Supreme Courts. According to CHRDI, the judiciary failed to respond within the 15 working days required by law.

Following the lapse of that period, CHRDI lodged a complaint with the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) on 23 September 2025. The Commission subsequently directed the judiciary on 9 October 2025 to provide the requested information within seven days. However, CHRDI said the judiciary failed again to comply with the directive.

“A judiciary that refuses to respect the country’s laws and other oversight institutions poses a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law,” the statement read. “Such behavior demonstrates a lack of transparency and accountability that weakens public trust in the justice system.”

CHRDI called on the judiciary to urgently fulfill its legal obligations under the Right to Access Information Act and to demonstrate leadership by upholding the principles of openness and integrity. The organisation emphasized that transparency within the judiciary is essential to strengthening good governance and promoting citizens’ confidence in state institutions.