Lawyers' President Sues to Defend Freedoms and Judicial Independence

Lawyers' President Sues to Defend Freedoms and Judicial Independence

In a significant defense of constitutional liberties, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, Esq., President of the Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society, has filed a suit before the Supreme Court challenging actions he contends violate his fundamental rights to thought, expression, and conscience.

On December 24, 2025, Mr. Marrah initiated legal proceedings against the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court and other parties, asserting that disciplinary measures undertaken by the General Legal Council infringe upon his constitutionally protected freedoms. The case stems from public statements Mr. Marrah made on AYV Television on International Human Rights Day.

The suit questions whether the complaint based on his televised remarks constitutes a valid limitation on his freedoms, and further challenges the inclusion of past disciplinary matters, which he argues constitutes impermissible double punishment and a breach of due process.

Mr. Marrah has also sought an immediate stay of the disciplinary proceedings pending the Supreme Court's determination of the constitutional questions. The Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society has affirmed its unwavering support, emphasizing the critical nature of this case for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles in Sierra Leone.