Lawyers’ Society Denounces Police Crackdown on Civil Liberties

By Benjamin S Conteh 

The Lawyers’ Society has strongly criticized the recent arrest and detention of civil society activists Thomas Babadi and Wadi Williams, who were taken into custody over their plans to hold a peaceful protest outside the offices of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).

In a strongly worded statement, the Lawyers’ Society condemned the police action as a blatant violation of the activists’ constitutional rights. They highlighted that Sections 25(1) and 26(1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991) protect the freedoms of expression and assembly, which are the foundation of the right to protest.

The statement emphasized that while the police are tasked with maintaining order and protecting citizens, this responsibility does not extend to arbitrarily denying lawful and peaceful demonstrations. The group argued that such actions not only undermine public trust but also threaten the country’s democratic principles.

“This arrest is not only unlawful but a troubling sign of shrinking civic space,” the Society stated. “Citizens who follow the law by notifying authorities of their intention to protest should not face detention as a consequence.”

The organization pointed out that, in past instances, protests were restricted on the grounds of “faceless leadership.” However, in this case, the leaders were clearly identified, their request was officially submitted, yet it was denied, and they were subsequently detained. This, according to the Lawyers’ Society, casts doubt on the credibility of the police’s justification for their actions.

The Society has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Babadi and Williams, describing their detention as both unlawful and an infringement on their constitutional rights. “Failure to release them will compel us to pursue appropriate legal measures to ensure their freedom,” the statement warned.

The Lawyers’ Society urged authorities to prioritize dialogue and respect for civil liberties, emphasizing that a thriving democracy depends on the protection of these fundamental rights. They cautioned that repressing peaceful protests could provoke frustration and lead individuals toward more extreme measures, potentially destabilizing the country.

“The right to peaceful assembly and expression is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. It is the duty of the state to protect, not suppress, these rights,” the statement concluded.

The arrests have reignited public debate about the state of civil liberties in Sierra Leone, with mounting calls for reforms to ensure the police respect constitutional freedoms while maintaining public order.