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The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has strongly criticized the suspension of Supreme Court Judge Justice A.B. Halloway, describing the action as unjust and a threat to judicial independence in Sierra Leone.
In a press release issued in Freetown on Thursday, September 18, 2025, CHRDI noted that the suspension followed Justice Halloway’s letters raising concerns about alleged human rights violations, abuse of office, and maladministration within the judiciary. The judge had also accused the Chief Justice of disregarding the rule of law and violating his fundamental rights.
Despite these complaints, CHRDI said, the government has failed to provide the public with updates on the status of the judge’s grievances. Instead, Justice Halloway received a suspension order confirming that he was under investigation.
“Suspending someone for any alleged misconduct without addressing their grievances is unjust and undermines procedural integrity,” CHRDI stated. The group emphasized that the judge had formally requested the establishment of an Ethics Committee to investigate the Chief Justice’s conduct, but that request was never acknowledged or acted upon.
The organization stressed that public officials must exercise their authority in good faith and within the limits of the law, noting that both Sierra Leone’s Constitution and international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee the right to seek redress before an impartial tribunal.
CHRDI further pointed out that Section 137(6) of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution requires the establishment of a tribunal before suspending a judge, while Section 137(8) provides for the investigation of complaints concerning the Chief Justice’s conduct.
“The complaints made by one of the country’s Supreme Court judges against the Chief Justice cannot and should not be overlooked,” the release stressed, warning that failure to address them risks eroding public trust in the judiciary.
The organization also drew parallels with concerns raised by the United Nations in other countries, such as the Maldives, where UN experts criticized disciplinary actions against judges for undermining judicial independence.
CHRDI called on the Government of Sierra Leone to immediately revoke Justice Halloway’s suspension, investigate his complaints in line with constitutional provisions, and ensure transparency and fairness in the handling of judicial grievances.
“The integrity and independence of the judiciary are foundational to justice systems worldwide,” the statement concluded. “Any disciplinary action against judges must adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for judicial autonomy.”
