Members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association in a press release have condemned the police for unlawfully arresting a number of innocent civilians.
In the press release, the association noted that the Sierra Leone Bar Association (hereinafter known as the “SLBA”) notes with serious concern the arrest of some Teachers by the Sierra Leone Police to wit: Mr. Mohamed Khan, Lahai Jah and Joseph C. Kailie. Mohamed Khan aforesaid was
PHOTO: Sierra Leone Bar Association President
arrested after serving as a guest of the AYV Television program – “Wake up Sierra Leone” whilst the other two were arrested and detained at the Bo West Police Station after allegedly requesting a clearance to convene a meeting of “The Teachers Solidarity Movement”.
The SLBA believes the above actions of the Sierra Leone Police are high-handed, unwarranted and at stark variance with section 17 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act. No.6 of 1991.
The SLBA also wishes to state that these arbitrary arrests undermine the commitment of the State to guaranteeing the freedoms provided in sections 15 (b) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Police has a duty to protect and serve and not to intimidate citizens in the exercise of their rights and freedoms under the Constitution. Whilst the SLBA recognizes that freedoms of Expression and Assembly have attendant responsibilities, the Sierra Leone Police is under an obligation to strictly follow due process in ensuring that the fundamental human rights of the citizenry are not unduly trampled upon. The SLBA being seized of this important issue bordering on the Rule of Law, hereby urges the Sierra Leone Police to follow the due process of the law and ensure the release of the teachers with immediate effect.
See Press Release below:
