The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has called on the relevant authorities to urgently provide medical and psychosocial care to Zainab Sherrif and other inmates whose physical or mental health requires attention.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, the Society expressed concern over reports regarding Sherrif’s health condition and urged authorities to take immediate steps to ensure that she receives the necessary medical assessment and treatment.
The Society stressed that incarceration does not extinguish a person’s fundamental rights to humane treatment, dignity and access to healthcare.
It noted that while deprivation of liberty is a punishment imposed by law, imprisonment should not become a basis for denying inmates necessary medical, psychological or psychiatric care.
The Society further called for comprehensive attention to be given to other inmates experiencing physical illnesses, mental-health conditions or other medical concerns, warning that prisoners should not be left to endure prolonged suffering or deterioration before receiving appropriate care.
According to the Society, the issue is not merely one of compassion but also involves law, human dignity and internationally recognised standards governing prison administration.
It referenced the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which place responsibility for prisoners’ healthcare on the State.
The Society highlighted Rule 24, which provides that prisoners should enjoy the same standards of healthcare available in the community and have access to necessary healthcare services free of charge and without discrimination based on their legal status. It also cited Rule 25, which requires prison health services to protect and improve the physical and mental health of prisoners, with particular attention to those with special healthcare needs.
While acknowledging the difficult conditions under which correctional authorities operate and appreciating the work of correctional officers, the Lawyers’ Society said resource constraints should not justify the neglect of people deprived of their liberty.
The Society has therefore called for the immediate medical assessment and appropriate treatment of Sherrif, including referral to a specialist or external medical facility where clinically necessary.
It also urged authorities to conduct comprehensive assessments of the healthcare needs of other inmates, ensure prompt access to psychological and psychiatric services, provide adequate essential medicines and diagnostic services, and strengthen access to specialist care within the correctional system.
Additionally, the Society called for regular monitoring of healthcare conditions in correctional facilities by appropriate oversight institutions.
The Lawyers’ Society urged authorities to treat the concerns surrounding Sherrif’s health with the urgency and seriousness they deserve while ensuring that no other inmate requiring medical or psychosocial intervention is left without appropriate care.
“A prisoner remains a human being,” the Society stated, stressing that while imprisonment may restrict liberty, it must never become a barrier to dignity, healthcare and humane treatment.
