Event Summary
On 19 December 2025, the General Legal Council (GLC) in Sierra Leone has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Augustine Sorie Sengbe Marrah, a well-known human rights advocate, democracy activist, judiciary critic and president of the country’s Lawyers Society, over allegations of professional misconduct. This follows a complaint lodged on 16 December 2025 by Lloyd Hindolo Jusu, the Deputy Master and Registrar of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone. In his submission to the GLC, Jusu claimed that Marrah’s actions had eroded the dignity of the legal profession and shaken public trust in the judicial system. This follows repeated criticisms against the judiciary and the Sierra Leone Bar Association, after the Bar’s controversial Annual General Meeting in May 2024. Marrah has responded to the formal complaint against him, and has also filed papers to the Supreme Court seeking protection of his rights to freedom of expression and thoughts. CSO groups and the Lawyers Society have all condemned the move, warning it would shrink the civic space. Many believe it is a plot to silence the activist and critic, who has stood for accountability and professionalism of the judiciary and the Sierra Leone Bar Association.