The Lawyers’ Society Sierra Leone (LSSL) has raised serious concerns over the reported detention of the Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya Esq., describing the action as troubling and potentially harmful to democratic principles and freedom of expression.

In a statement, the legal body noted that Mr. Dumbuya’s reported detention is allegedly linked to comments he made during a political gathering of his party.

The Society warned that criminalizing political speech, particularly within the context of party activities, runs contrary to the fundamental tenets of democracy and constitutional freedoms.

According to the Lawyers’ Society, while political expressions may sometimes be contentious, there are lawful and established mechanisms for addressing such matters without resorting to arrest and detention. The group emphasized that free speech remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and must be protected, even when opinions are unpopular or critical.

The Society has therefore called on the Sierra Leone Police to immediately release Mr. Dumbuya and allow the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) the statutory body mandated to regulate the conduct of political parties to handle the matter in accordance with the law.

LSSL stressed that respecting due process and the appropriate institutional mandates is essential to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law and safeguarding political pluralism in the country.

The development has continued to draw public attention, amid growing debate over political tolerance, free expression, and the shrinking of civic space in Sierra Leone.