By Joseph Momoh
D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN – United Nations human rights experts have formally raised concerns with the Government of Sierra Leone over what they describe as the judicial harassment and arbitrary detention of two civil society leaders.
The experts cited the ongoing criminal prosecution of Prince Tommy Williams, Executive Director of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, and Finance Director Mohamed Turay as a case of reprisals against human rights defenders.
Both men were arrested in late 2025 and early 2026 and now face charges including obstruction, disorderly behaviour and incitement.
The charges are connected to a dispute over a 44-acre parcel in the Kuntorloh community. The government says the land is earmarked for a disability housing project co-financed by UNDP and the Government of India. LNP, which has operated on the site since the 1990s, insists it holds a freehold title from the Ministry of Lands and has challenged the construction in court.
Tensions escalated in October 2025 when police deployed tear gas at the LNP compound. The incident resulted in the death of a two-day-old infant and drew widespread condemnation.
In their communication to government, the UN experts warned of a broader pattern of targeting defenders and pointed to delays in the trial and alleged misconduct by the prosecution team.
Williams has led LNP for over 25 years. Turay manages the organisation’s agricultural and blood donation programmes and advocates against gender-based violence.
The case is before Magistrate Court No. 4. The court has adjourned the matter to September 1, 2026 for a ruling on the defence’s “no case to answer” submission.
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