Court Throws Out Sylvia Blyden’s Defamation Case Against European Union 2023 Election Observers

The High Court of Sierra Leone has officially dismissed a high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden against the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) and its senior officials.

In its ruling on Thursday, the Court declared that it “lacks jurisdiction” to hear the matter, citing the protections outlined in the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, No. 35 of 1961.

The judge determined that the European Union observers are shielded from local civil litigation under international diplomatic protocols domesticated by Sierra Leonean law. The Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act of 1961 grants immunity from local civil and criminal jurisdiction to recognized international organizations and their diplomatic agents while executing official duties within the country.