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The LAWYERS’ SOCIETY strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of civil society activists, Thomas Babadi and Wadi Williams in connection with their planned demonstration in front of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) offices.
Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights enshrined in sections 25(1) & 26(1) respectively of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No.6 of 1991), and they serve as the cornerstone for the right to protest. While we acknowledge the police's duty to protect life and property, this responsibility does not extend to the arbitrary denial of citizens' requests to engage in peaceful protests and demonstrations and, even worse, the arrest of persons for simply complying with the law by informing the police of a planned protest.
We share the concerns of many rights practitioners who believe that the police's restrictions on civic space contribute to the increasing use of illegitimate means of expressing discontent with state policies and actions. Such restrictions undermine the democratic principles that our society is built upon. On many occasions, the police have restricted protests on the basis that the leadership of the planned protests were faceless. However, in this instance, where there are known and identified leaders, instead of granting their request, they are being detained. This may send a message to the public and the world at large that the police have simply been using the 'faceless leaders' narrative as an excuse to slam a blanket ban on protests.
The arrest and detention of Babadi and Williams are not only unlawful but also represent a clear violation of their rights. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Failure to do so will compel the Lawyers’ Society to invoke appropriate legal measures to secure their freedom.
We urge the authorities to respect the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully and to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to repression.
The health of our democracy depends on the protection of civil liberties and the promotion of open discourse.
End of Statement