Peaceful Protest Organizers Released After a Week in Custody

December 13, 2024

Thomas Babadi and Wadi Williams, members of the Concerned Sierra Leoneans group, have been released after spending a week in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The two were detained by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) over their plans to organize a peaceful protest demanding the release of the 2023 presidential election results by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). Babadi and Williams had formally informed the police about the protest, emphasizing their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully.

However, the SLP alleged procedural lapses and cited “unclear statements” in their communications as grounds for their arrest. The planned protest, initially set for December 10, 2024, was subsequently canceled following their detention.

Their release was facilitated through the efforts of prominent civil society leaders, including Bai Koroma of the Citizens’ Rights Network, King-Kaprr Thallay Bah, President of the Civil Society Union, Lamin Shérif, Secretary-General of the Civil Society Union, and legal representatives, led by Barrister J.B. Sesay.

The incident has drawn attention to the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and assembly in Sierra Leone, with many calling for greater clarity and cooperation between civil society groups and law enforcement.