High Court Dismisses Sylvia Blyden’s Case Against EU Observers, Cites Diplomatic Immunity

FREETOWN – The High Court of Sierra Leone has dismissed an application filed by media personality Dr. Sylvia Blyden against Elvin Incir, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), and four others, ruling that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.

According to the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the court found that the case falls under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, No. 35 of 1961.

In an order dated 7th May 2026, Justice Josephine F. Hinga granted a motion to dismiss the action filed on behalf of the defendants, who included Incir, Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase, Social Media Analyst Lukasz Wilda-Domaradzki, Legal Analyst Sylvian Ollier, and the EU-EOM itself.

The court also awarded costs in favour of the defendants in the sum of 150,000 Leones, to be paid by Dr. Blyden, who appeared as plaintiff in person.

The ruling was certified by the Master and Registrar.