Prison Watch (SL) Concern Over Juvenile Detention Center
The President of Sierra Leone grants Presidential Pardon to 10 juveniles. Through the advocacy group, Prison Watch Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the current Director Public Prosecution (DPP), Easmon Nathanael Ngakui. Mr. Ngakui subscribed to the Oat 15th February 2019.
As of 16th May, 2019, the detention population in the juvenile centers include the following; Remand Home at Kingtom house fifty-five boys and two girls, Approved School, Wellington, twenty-three boys and two girls and the Bo Remand Home is housing fourty-one boys.
The Juvenile clemency executed by the President was the first in the history of the republic.
The President of Sierra Leone grants Presidential Pardon to 10 juveniles
The Program Manager, Prison Watch (SL), Mr. Ahmed Salieu Jalloh expressed total dissatisfaction over the detention conditions of juvenile homes. Especially, Bo Remand Home.
Addressing the Press at his 10 Gabriel Street office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Friday 17th April 2019, Mr. Jalloh said the house which is now used as the Bo Remand Home initially was constructed as a store and later converted to house children in conflict with the law in that part of the country.
The conditions of the detention cells were inhumane; sleeping areas without electricity and very hot. Lack of food supply and water and sanitation remain a continuing problem coupled with abusive treatment by prison authorities, according to eye witnessed testimonies documented in a report. In the juvenile detention centers, no medical facilities and practicing health personnel available.
As of 16th May, 2019, the detention population in the juvenile centers include the following; Remand Home at Kingtom house fifty-five boys and two girls, Approved School, Wellington, twenty-three boys and two girls and the Bo Remand Home is housing fourty-one boys.
The socioeconomic impact of excessive pretrial detention is profound, affecting not just the individuals detained, but their families, communities, and even the State.
The deplorable conditions need to be addressed for effective reform of the sector to occur. Working to addressing the issue of improving conditions of confinement, is to ensure youths who require detention treated safely, legally, and humanely. The aim of building confidence in the justice sector is an essential requirement of economic investment and growth, and hence for reviving opportunities for economic progress for Sierra Leoneans generally.