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The Lawyers’ Society has issued a strong condemnation of the recent conviction and sentencing of Zainab Sheriff, describing the court’s decision as “unjustifiably excessive” and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In a press release dated April 16, 2026, the legal advocacy group expressed profound concern over the judgment delivered by Magistrate Brima Jah in the case of The Inspector General of Police v. Zainab Sheriff, which resulted in a sentence of four years and two months.
The Society argues that Sheriff’s comments, which prompted the criminal prosecution, were a legitimate exercise of her right to free expression. The group noted that the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) had already levied a fine regarding the matter—a fine the Society views as legally questionable—which was paid by the opposition party. They contend that this prior administrative action should have precluded criminal charges.
Furthermore, the organization criticized the court’s handling of the summary trial, specifically the refusal to grant Sheriff bail. The Society stated that this outright denial violated the presumption of innocence and her statutory right to bail, citing protections outlined in the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.
Warning of a potential chilling effect on civil discourse, the Lawyers’ Society stated that the severity of the sentence suggests a “limited tolerance for free and honest speech and dialogue by the government.”
“The freedom to express legitimate opinions is an essential component of democracy, even when those opinions may be unpopular or unpalatable,” the statement read.
In response to the ruling, the Lawyers’ Society is formally urging the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone to intervene.
Citing his summary review powers under Cap 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, the group is calling on the Chief Justice to acquit and discharge Sheriff, pointing to his recent track record of intervening in cases involving unfair sentencing.
