June 19th 2019

AdvocAid and the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) have carefully followed reports relating to the clashes between the Sierra Leone Police and supporters of the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) on 31st May, 2019. We have access to eyewitness accounts, as well as video footage of the incident, which collectively suggest that police officers exerted force beyond what was required to address the reported public order issues at the APC headquarters. The Sierra Leone Police should be reminded it is their responsibility to protect and respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. We note that the responsibility of ensuring public order and internal security rests with the police, but they are bound to do so whilst maintaining regard for the rights of citizens.

“It is more than two weeks since the incident occurred and very little is being done, if anything at all, to thoroughly investigate the alleged violations. We cannot afford to sweep this issue under the carpet. It is critical for our country’s human rights and rule of law credentials that a genuine investigation into the events of 31st May 2019 is conducted,” said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law.

“This is an opportunity to remind the public that victims of police misconduct can bring a complaint against the police. Paralegals at AdvocAid, as well as other legal aid providers, can offer free assistance to prepare and file a complaint,” said Rebecca Wood, Executive Director of AdvocAid.

Police records show that 44 women and 51 men were arrested on 31st May, 2019 at the APC headquarters and other locations in Freetown. These individuals were allegedly subjected to disproportionate and excessive force by the police before being detained at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). On Monday 3 June, 29 women and 43 men were still detained in the CID before being charged to court. Whilst some received medical treatment, we would like to note our serious concerns that this treatment was insufficient. This includes women and men who allegedly sustained severe injuries as a result of excessive physical force by the police and from use of tear gas.

We also encourage the Complaints, Discipline, and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) of the Police, Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) and Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to investigate the use of force, recognising that the response to the alleged abuses will impact public confidence in the police.

We also call on the Government of Sierra Leone to continue their work to strengthen institutions that assure the protections of human rights. Section 5(1) of our Constitution states that Sierra Leone “shall be a state based on the principles of freedom, democracy and justice.” If we do not uphold justice for some of our citizens, we fail for all of them.

Signed:

Rebecca Wood, Executive Director, AdvocAid
Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director, Centre for Accountability & Rule of Law (CARL)

Note:

For assistance filing a complaint, please come to AdvocAid’s office at 1st Floor, 39 Upper Brook Street, Freetown or CARL’s office at 1st Floor, 51 Upper Brook Street, Freetown.