By Amin Kef-Ranger
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has on18 September 2025 strongly criticized the suspension of Supreme Court Judge A.B. Halloway (JSC), describing it as a grave threat to judicial independence, human rights and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
According to CHRDI, Justice A. B. Halloway was suspended shortly after he raised serious allegations of human rights violations, abuse of office and maladministration within the Judiciary. He had also questioned the Chief Justice’s alleged disregard for the rule of law. Despite sending three letters outlining those concerns, CHRDI noted that instead of a response to the issues raised, the judge received only a suspension letter.
“This suspension is unjust and blatantly disregards his fundamental rights and dignity,” CHRDI said in its statement, stressing that Justice J. B Halloway had requested the establishment of an Ethics Committee to investigate the conduct of the Chief Justice, a request that remains unaddressed.
CHRDI argued that the Government’s action undermines procedural integrity, calling on the State to immediately revoke the suspension under Section 137(6) of the Constitution. The organization further urged authorities to thoroughly investigate Justice Halloway’s complaints and uphold constitutional provisions to ensure fairness and accountability.
“The role of administrative law is to hold Government accountable,” the statement emphasized. “Human rights and fundamental freedoms establish crucial safeguards against an overreaching judiciary. Suspending a judge without addressing his grievances is unjust and threatens these protections.”
The human rights body also warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the judiciary. It pointed to Section 137(8) of the 1991 Constitution, which requires that allegations against judges, including the Chief Justice, be properly and transparently investigated.
CHRDI further cited international standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every individual the right to address grievances before an impartial tribunal. The group highlighted past concerns expressed by the United Nations over similar suspensions of judges in other countries, stressing that Sierra Leone must adhere to global principles of judicial independence.
Concluding its statement, CHRDI called on the Government of Sierra Leone to “reconsider Justice Halloway’s suspension, investigate his concerns against the Chief Justice’s Office and safeguard the integrity of the judiciary for the sake of justice and the rule of law.”
