The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) announced on October 5, 2026, that the Supreme Court has approved the live broadcast of the upcoming hearing on constitutional matters. The hearing, scheduled for October 7, 2026, will be broadcast live following a request by SLAJ to the Judiciary on September 21. The request was made in the public interest, citing the national significance of the constitutional matters before the Court.
The Judiciary approved the live coverage subject to conditions aimed at preserving the dignity, decorum, and integrity of the Court. Under the arrangement, 10 media houses will be accredited to cover the proceedings from inside the courtroom. SLAJ will work with the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) and the Judiciary's Communications and Public Affairs Unit to coordinate the media coverage.
Journalists who are not among the accredited media organisations, as well as members of the public, will be able to follow the proceedings through major television networks from their offices and homes. The Independent Radio Network (IRN) has also been granted special approval to broadcast the proceedings live through its network of more than 40 radio stations across Sierra Leone.
The live broadcast will operate under specific restrictions set by the Judiciary. The Court has directed that no commentary, analysis, or other statements concerning the merits or demerits of the matter should be made while the case remains sub judice. Still photography will also not be permitted inside the courtroom during the proceedings.
SLAJ has called on participating media houses and journalists to uphold professional standards, accuracy, impartiality, and responsibility in their coverage while respecting the authority, dignity, and decorum of the Court. The association said the arrangement would facilitate wider public access to proceedings of significant constitutional importance.
The Supreme Court hearing on constitutional matters is expected to draw significant public interest. The live broadcast is seen as a way to increase transparency and accountability in the country's judicial process. The hearing will be a crucial step in determining the future of Sierra Leone's constitutional amendment bill.
The SLAJ statement said, "SLAJ will work closely with the Judiciary's Communications and Public Affairs Unit and the accredited media houses to ensure that the live coverage is conducted in an orderly and professional manner and in accordance with the conditions set by the Court." The live broadcast is set to begin on October 7, 2026, and will be a significant moment in Sierra Leone's democratic process.
Key points
- The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has approved the live broadcast of the constitutional amendment bill hearing.
- The hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2026, and will be broadcast live on television and radio.
- The live broadcast will operate under specific restrictions set by the Judiciary to preserve the dignity and integrity of the Court.
