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The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone is expected to hear a constitutional matter after the expiration of a 21-day statutory notice period in a case filed by legal practitioner Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, who is challenging disciplinary proceedings initiated against him.
Mr. Marrah is contesting actions arising from public comments he made on AYV Television on December 10, 2025, during the observance of International Human Rights Day. He argues that the proceedings violate his constitutional rights to freedom of conscience, thought and expression, as well as protection from double jeopardy, as guaranteed under the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
According to the plaintiff, the disciplinary complaint—filed by the Deputy Master and Registrar on behalf of the Judiciary before the General Legal Council’s Disciplinary Committee—is unconstitutional and constitutes an unlawful interference with his right to freely express opinions on matters of public interest, particularly issues relating to the administration of justice.
He further contends that the inclusion of a contempt conviction from 2020, for which he has already served the imposed penalties, amounts to double punishment and an attempt to reopen or review a concluded decision of the Supreme Court, despite the absence of any allegation of fraud or dishonesty.
Mr. Marrah also maintains that the disciplinary process infringes on his freedom of conscience and belief by penalising views he says are rooted in his professional obligation to judicial reform and human rights advocacy.
Should the Court rule in his favour, the plaintiff is seeking declarations that the complaint and the ensuing disciplinary proceedings violate Sections 24, 25 and 23(9) of the Constitution. He is also requesting an order permanently restraining the Judiciary, the General Legal Council, and the Attorney-General from continuing with the matter.
In addition, he is asking the Court to quash the complaint dated December 16, 2025, and to prohibit any further inquiry, hearing or determination arising from it.
The action is brought by Mr. Marrah in his personal capacity as a citizen and as a legal practitioner duly enrolled to practise law in Sierra Leone. He argues that the case raises both personal constitutional rights and broader public-interest concerns under Section 28 of the Constitution.
The defendants named in the suit include the Deputy Master and Registrar, the General Legal Council and its Disciplinary Committee, as well as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
