The Judiciary of Sierra Leone announced the suspension of Magistrates’ Courts sitting nationwide on Friday, 17th November 2023. Simultaneously, there will be no Court sessions before the High Court in the provinces on the same day. The reason behind this temporary closure is a two-day consultative dialogue organized by the Judiciary, in collaboration with the National Aids Secretariat (NAS) and partners.

The theme of the dialogue is “Ending Inequality to end AIDS-Engaging the Judiciary in the National AIDS Response.” The event aims to bring together Judges, Magistrates, and senior staff of the Judiciary for a comprehensive discussion on HIV-AIDS prevention, treatment, stigma, and other human rights-related issues. The objective is to sensitize and raise awareness among legal professionals, fostering their active involvement in the national response to AIDS.

While the Magistrates’ Courts and High Court in the provinces remain inactive during this period, the official close of the High Court Criminal Session is scheduled for Friday, 17th November 2023. A Judge will preside over the closing of the Criminal Sessions, marking a significant moment in the legal calendar.

It’s important to note that despite the temporary suspension of some court activities, the High Court Registry and other Registries will remain open throughout the country. This strategic move by the Judiciary underscores its commitment to addressing public health issues and engaging the legal community in the broader societal response to challenges like HIV-AIDS.