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The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has strongly condemned what it describes as unlawful actions carried out by law enforcement officers in Freetown on Wednesday, involving the demand for national ID cards from citizens at the Youyi Building.
According to CHRDI, officers engaged in identity checks without providing any reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, a move the organization says violates fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of movement.
“Police lack the authority to require identification without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. That unlawful police action undermines legal standards and violates fundamental rights,” CHRDI stated.
The rights group warned that such practices risk eroding public trust in the Sierra Leone Police, fostering fear instead of safety. It further called for accountability within the force, insisting that officers must answer for human rights violations regardless of whether they were acting under superior orders.
CHRDI urged the police to immediately cease these practices and invest in comprehensive training programs to guide officers on lawful procedures for identity checks.
“As we work towards strengthening democracy and good governance, we encourage all citizens to follow the rule of law and address grievances peacefully,” the statement added.
The organization also advocated for public education on citizens’ rights regarding identity checks and called on civil society groups to join in condemning such actions.
CHRDI concluded that building a fairer society where justice prevails requires collective effort, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
