By: Abdul Razack Gbla
in what appears to be a shameful scene by many, the people of Sierra Leone are left wondering what democracy truly means in their country! The Sierra Leone Police obstructed the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s Emergency General Meeting (EGM), scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the New Brookfields Hotel. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with many labeling the police’s actions as shameful and unjustified.
Despite the management of New Brookfields Hotel requesting a court injunction as legal backing to cancel the event, the police intervened preemptively, preventing the meeting from proceeding. The hotel management had clearly communicated their stance, emphasising their role as a business providing event spaces and accommodations to clients without any initial indication of disputes.
In a statement issued by the hotel management, they addressed the concerns raised: “I write in reference to the letter dated July 8, 2024, received at the hotel on July 9, 2024. New Brookfields Hotel is foremost a business that provides event space and rooms to customers who wish to host events or stay at our premises. When we received the booking from our client, there was no notice given to us that there would be a contention over whether they can host it with us or not. At the point of booking, we entered into an agreement with the client to host them at the hotel.”
The hotel had taken legal advice and was informed that a court injunction would be necessary to prevent the meeting from going ahead. They then requested that such an injunction be provided to ensure legal compliance and protect their business interests. Despite this, the police went ahead and disrupted the planned event, raising questions about the enforcement of legal protocols and the protection of fundamental rights.
Lawyers attending the disrupted meeting voiced their discontent, citing the constitutionally enshrined rights to freedom of association and assembly. “Freedom of association and assembly is a fundamental human right enshrined in our country’s constitution. Why do these people want to turn our country into a police state?” one lawyer remarked, highlighting the broader implications of the police’s actions on civil liberties in Sierra Leone.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the role of law enforcement in civic matters and the balance between maintaining order and upholding democratic rights. The Sierra Leone Bar Association and other stakeholders are expected to respond formally to this development, potentially setting the stage for further legal and civic actions.
With the situation unfolding, many will be watching closely to see how the authorities address the concerns raised and whether any legal recourse will be sought by the affected parties. This incident demonstrated the ongoing challenges in moving around the around the thin-line of law, order, and fundamental human rights in Sierra Leone.
