The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has accused Sierra Leone’s judiciary of undermining transparency and accountability by repeatedly failing to comply with the Right to Access Information Act of 2013.
In a public statement issued this week, CHRDI said the judiciary’s refusal to provide requested information amounted to a “serious concern for democracy and the rule of law.”
“A judiciary that does not respect the laws under which it operates poses a serious concern for democracy and the rule of law,” the organization said. “This refusal to provide information undermines transparency and accountability, principles that are essential for good governance.”
The group emphasized that public institutions, including the judiciary, are legally obligated to provide information when requested under the Act, except in cases where disclosure could compromise judicial independence or security.
CHRDI’s statement follows growing civil society criticism of limited access to public records and weak enforcement of information rights across government institutions.
The judiciary has not yet responded publicly to CHRDI’s allegations.
Sierra Leone enacted the Right to Access Information Act in 2013 to strengthen transparency and public participation in governance. However, rights advocates say compliance has been inconsistent, particularly among key state institutions.
By Siman Turay
