The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has issued a significant announcement regarding the regular magistrate court sessions.

They have communicated to the general public that starting from Monday, August 28th, 2023, the normal magistrate court sittings will experience an interruption. This pause is intended to facilitate the Judiciary’s continuation of the third edition of judicial proceedings, set to conclude on September 8th, 2023.

The release reads; “The public is hereby informed that effective Monday, 28th August 2023 regular Magistrates’ Courts sittings will be interrupted to enable the Judiciary continue with the third edition of the ACCESS TO JUSTICE THROUGH JUDICIAL WEEK which will start on Monday, 28th August and end on Friday, 8th September, 2023.

The purpose of this two weeks’ nationwide exercise is to increase access to justice, reduce backlog of cases not completed and to further decongest Correctional Centres across the country.

The Judiciary wishes to reassure the public that the overall objective of this Judicial Week will be achieved.

Complainants, Accused persons and Witnesses who have cases before the High Court in all Judicial Districts are encouraged to be present in Court throughout this nationwide exercise effective 28th August 2023 at 9:00am prompt.”