CHRDI Condemns Suspension of Supreme Court Judge, Calls for Reconsideration
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has strongly criticized the suspension of Supreme Court Judge, Justice Allan B. Halloway, describing the move as unjust and a violation of his fundamental rights and dignity.
In a press release issued on Thursday 18th September, 2025; CHRDI noted that the suspension followed Justice Halloway’s repeated letters raising concerns about serious human rights violations, abuse of office, maladministration within the judiciary, and what he described as the Chief Justice’s disregard for the rule of law. Instead of addressing those grievances, CHRDI said, the authorities chose to suspend him without providing the public with any update on the status of his complaints.
According to CHRDI, Justice Halloway had requested the establishment of an Ethics Committee to investigate the conduct of the Chief Justice, but his request was neither acknowledged nor acted upon. The organization stressed that suspending a judge without first addressing his grievances undermines both justice and procedural integrity. “Public officials must exercise the powers granted to them in good faith, reasonably, and only for intended purposes,” the statement read.
CHRDI further urged the Government of Sierra Leone to revoke the suspension under Section 137(6) of the Constitution, reconsider the judge’s grievances, and ensure that justice is upheld. It also emphasized that the suspension of a sitting Supreme Court judge has wider implications for judicial independence, transparency, and accountability, which are cornerstones of Sierra Leone’s democratic governance.
Founded in 2011, CHRDI is a non-governmental human rights and development advocacy organization based in Sierra Leone. The group has been at the forefront of pushing for good governance, accountability, and respect for human rights in the country. Over the years, CHRDI has engaged in public interest advocacy on issues such as corruption, social justice, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The organization is also known for its policy research and campaigns on human rights education, working with both national and international partners to promote fairness, justice, and sustainable development.
In its release, CHRDI highlighted that international law and instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantee every individual the right to seek redress before an impartial tribunal. It warned that failure to respect these provisions undermines Sierra Leone’s compliance with international obligations and erodes public confidence in the judiciary.
The group pointed to global concerns raised by the United Nations over similar cases, citing examples from countries like the Maldives, where UN experts condemned government interference in judicial processes. CHRDI insisted that Sierra Leone must not allow such precedents to weaken its own judicial system.
“We strongly urge the government to investigate Justice Halloway’s concerns against the Chief Justice’s Office, uphold the Constitution, and guarantee justice and fairness for all,” they concluded.
