The Lawyers’ Society on Friday called for the immediate release of Lansana Dumbuya, a senior member of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, and urged authorities to discontinue legal proceedings against him, citing concerns over freedom of expression and democratic rights.
In a press release dated Feb. 13, the group said it was “deeply concerned” about the arrest, detention and continued incarceration of Dumbuya, a legal practitioner of about 26 years’ standing and National Secretary General of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
The Society said Dumbuya’s arrest reportedly followed remarks he made at a party meeting on Jan. 31, 2026, which it described as part of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“In a democracy, political speech and participation should not attract criminal sanctions, particularly where it forms part of national discourse,” the statement said.
The group called on the government, in the interest of peace, unity and democratic stability, to act in good faith, uphold the rule of law and immediately release Dumbuya by dropping all charges against him.
It said such action would be consistent with the “spirit and letter” of the country’s tripartite agreement and the broader national interest.
The Lawyers’ Society reaffirmed its commitment to justice, democratic principles and peaceful political coexistence, adding that any restriction on lawful expression in the democratic space should concern all who value freedom and the rule of law.
There was no immediate comment from government officials.
