In a concerning development in Sierra Leone, the actions of the Sierra Leone Police Force have raised significant questions about the country’s commitment to upholding the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly. Despite the fact that concern Sierra Leoneans followed due process by submitting a formal letter for a proposed peaceful protest to the police, the authorities have violated these basic human rights by detaining the letter bearers of the proposed peaceful protest. The events that unfolded, including the invitation for deliberation followed by arrests, highlight a growing concern over the suppression of civic engagement in the country, especially in light of the guarantees enshrined in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. (Photo: Mr Thomas Babadi and Mr Maddie Williams).

Citation to the Constitutional Right to Freedom of Speech and Assembly

The 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone provides explicit protections for the rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, which are fundamental pillars of any democratic society. Section 25 of the Constitution guarantees the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression, which encompasses the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media.

Section 26 of the Constitution specifically upholds the right to peaceful assembly. It states that every citizen shall have the right to assemble freely and associate with others. It is under this constitutional framework that Sierra Leoneans are empowered to participate in protests, assemblies, or demonstrations to express their views or raise concerns about issues affecting their lives.

Due Process and the Police Response

In this case, a group of concerned citizens organized a peaceful protest and duly informed the Sierra Leone Police through a formal letter, copied to key stakeholders such as embassies, political parties, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the Office of National Security (ONS), and other national and international moral guarantors. This communication was in line with the legal and constitutional framework for organizing such actions, which typically requires that a notice be given to the police.

The police, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), acknowledged receipt of the letter, as evidenced by the signed receipt. This formal acknowledgment could be viewed as an implicit recognition of the constitutional right of the citizens to organize and express their views. However, the situation took a troubling turn when the protest organizers were invited for deliberation by the police. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, the police proceeded to detain the organizers, a move that many interpret as an attempt to suppress their fundamental rights.

Violation of Human Rights

The detention of the bearers of the proposed protest letter raises serious concerns about the violation of fundamental human rights. The actions of the police are seen as contrary to the guarantees provided by the 1991 Constitution, which clearly protects the rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. While the police have the authority to ensure public order and safety, they must do so in a manner that respects and upholds the constitutional rights of citizens.

The organizers of the peaceful protest followed all required legal steps by informing the authorities, thus demonstrating their commitment to peaceful and lawful expression. The police detention of these individuals not only infringes on their rights but also sends a chilling message to other citizens about the potential consequences of exercising their constitutional rights. The use of detention as a means of silencing dissent is an affront to democracy and undermines the rule of law.

It raises questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens and its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who express grievances. International and Domestic Reactions: citizens both home and Diaspora have expressed concerned over the actions of the police as a recipe to war and undemocratic. They therefore want all moral guarantors to take notes as they will not settle for less and the demonstration must continue as their fundamental human rights.

A Call for Accountability and Respect for Rights

It is essential that the Sierra Leone Police, as a public institution, act in accordance with the Constitution and international human rights standards. The right to peaceful assembly is not just a constitutional guarantee, but a cornerstone of a functioning democracy. The government must ensure that the police force is properly trained to respect these rights while maintaining public order. Additionally, a thorough investigation should be conducted into the actions of the police officers involved in the detentions. The government must provide an explanation for these actions and ensure that such violations of fundamental rights do not occur in the future.

Finally

The events surrounding the detention of peaceful protest organizers in Sierra Leone raise significant concerns about the state of civil liberties in the country. Despite clear constitutional guarantees, the actions of the police seem to represent an alarming trend of restricting the freedoms of speech and assembly. For Sierra Leone to continue its democratic journey, it is crucial that the government and the police respect the rights enshrined in the 1991 Constitution and ensure that all citizens can peacefully express their opinions without fear of detention or persecution.

Courtesy: By Pendragon the Political Jagaban – Contact CAMB on 074567582 for any suggestions or information

#PENDRAGON

#Aunty Kadi of USA

#Mami Yeabu of USA

#Mike Kamara of USA

#Foday Turay

#CAMB

#Apicians

#Sierra Leoneans