NEWS RELEASE

Sierra Leone Bar Association Supports IBA's Worldwide Rule of Law Campaign

The Sierra Leone Bar Association today announces its active support for the International Bar Association's (IBA) global campaign to bring about collective support for the adherence to, and advancement of, the Rule of Law. A long-time advocate of upholding the Rule of Law, the Sierra Leone Bar Association is actively supporting the call of the IBA and also says no to arbitrary arrests; secret trials; indefinite detention without trial; cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; and intimidation or corruption in the electoral process.

IBA President, Francis Neate , has written personally to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, after announcing the launch of the worldwide campaign at the IBA's recently held Annual Conference in Prague , where t he representatives of the world's major Bar Associations and Law Societies agreed overwhelmingly in the passing of a Resolution on the Rule of Law put before the IBA Council.

Mr Neate said that he would aim this campaign at the most influential members of society, including Heads of State, leaders of major commercial corporations and those involved in the legal profession. Mr Neate proposed the Resolution in direct response to the increasing erosion around the world of the Rule of Law saying, ‘It is imperative that the global legal community stands united in its commitment to ensure that the fundamental principles of the Rule of Law are upheld. The right to a fair and public trial without undue delay, an impartial judiciary, and a strong and independent legal profession are all fundamental values of a civilised society and ensure stability and prosperity. I call on all Heads of State, members of the legal profession and CEOs of world-class corporations to speak out in support of the Rule of Law within their respective communities.'

The Sierra Leone Bar Association wholeheartedly agrees with this statement. Bar Association President Abdul Tejan-Cole further stated that ‘The Rule of Law is the foundation of a civilised society. It ensures adherence to principles that both liberate and protect. It establishes a transparent process accessible and equal to all. An independent, impartial judiciary; the presumption of innocence; the right to a fair and public trial without undue delay; a rational and proportionate approach to punishment; a strong and independent legal profession; strict protection of confidential communications between lawyer and client; equality of all before the law; are all fundamental principles of the Rule of Law. Accordingly, arbitrary arrests; secret trials; indefinite detention without trial; cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; intimidation or corruption in the electoral process; are all unacceptable.' The Bar Association joins the IBA's call on all countries to respect these fundamental principles. It also calls upon its members to speak out in support of the Rule of Law within their respective communities.

ENDS

For further information and comment, please contact:
The Sierra Leone Bar Association Contact details
The Sierra Leone Bar Association
11 Lamina Sankoh Street
Freetown
Romana St Matthew-Daniel
International Bar Association

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