By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone: The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has released preliminary findings from its ongoing human rights monitoring program across eight police stations in Freetown, revealing troubling conditions and systemic issues affecting detainees.
Between July 30 and August 4, CHRDI monitors interviewed over 600 suspects—predominantly male—with a consistent pattern of rights violations, including over-detention, lack of medical care, poor sanitation, and inadequate living conditions.
Over-Detention and Judicial Delays
On August 1, CHRDI spoke with 192 detainees (177 males, 15 females). Of these, 63 suspects were held beyond the legal time limit, and only 21 had been formally charged. Five were released during the visit.
On August 4, monitors interviewed 212 suspects (198 males, 14 females), discovering 82 cases of over-detention, including 20 at the CID headquarters. Twelve suspects were released that day.
On July 30, 57 suspects were found to be over-detained out of 204 interviewed, with 15 released during the visit.
These findings point to a lack of coordination between police and judicial institutions, raising serious concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice process.
Medical Neglect and Vulnerable Detainees
CHRDI documented multiple cases of medical neglect:
At Lumley and Adelaide Street stations, detainees reported untreated illnesses.
At the CID, a sick female suspect from Liberia expressed distress over the lack of medical attention.
A 17-year-old boy accused of theft was being held in an adult facility, highlighting issues around juvenile detention.
A six-month pregnant woman was found detained at Adelaide Street for allegedly stealing a mobile phone, raising questions about the treatment of pregnant women in custody.
Living Conditions and Abuse Allegations
The monitors observed deplorable living conditions:
At Congo Cross, female suspects were sleeping on cardboard boxes due to the absence of proper bedding.
Central Police Station detainees complained of no drinking water and poor lighting.
At New England Station, a female suspect alleged assault by both a correctional officer and a military personnel.
At Aberdeen, a woman had been held for 13 days without formal charges, exceeding legal detention limits.
CHRDI also reported widespread concerns about food quality and sanitation across all monitored stations.
CHRDI, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting good governance, human rights, and development, is urging authorities to take immediate action to improve detainee welfare and uphold legal standards. The organization emphasizes the need for systemic reform to ensure that suspects are treated with dignity and that their rights are protected throughout the judicial process.