International Bar Association Human Rights Institute Writes President Bio

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has written Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio expressing concerns over the arrest and detention of former anti-corruption commissioner and Barrister Ady Macauley by the Sierra Leone Police.

Lawyer Macaulay was arrested and detained over his legal interpretation shared on AYV TV, supporting the right to assembly and association, and to draw attention to international standards on the right to freedom of expression, and the role of lawyers, including during protests.

The IBAHRI stated that they are concerned that the charges against Ady Macauley arbitrarily deprive him of his rights and protections guaranteed under international law and the Constitution of Sierra Leone.

“With regards to the interview on AYV TV that led to his detainment, we draw Your Excellency’s attention to Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which protects the right to freedom of expression, and is enshrined under Article 25 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone of 1991 and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). These rights exist to foster accountability, democratic good governance and give citizens the platform to criticise their governments and leaders,” they stated.