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On the first anniversary of the burial of protesters and bystanders killed during the violent protests of August 2022, Amnesty International has issued a stern call for justice and reparations in Sierra Leone.
Over 20 protesters and bystanders, as well as six police officers, lost their lives during the protests that erupted on August 10, 2022, driven by mounting frustration over the skyrocketing cost of living.
A Special Investigation Committee appointed by the government delivered its findings in March of the same year. However, the report, while recommending improved training for police officers to prevent excessive force, notably fell short of recommending a thorough investigation into the alleged use of excessive force during the protests. Shockingly, to date, none of the civilian deaths have been subjected to a comprehensive investigation.
Eyewitness testimonies point to the excessive use of force by security forces in quelling the protests.
Samira Daoud, Director of Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, expressed deep concern: “More than a year on and the pain of the victims’ families is still as raw as it was in the days following the killings. The Sierra Leonean authorities have failed to live up to their promise to conduct a full, impartial, and transparent investigation and guarantee justice and truth to the families of victims.”
Amnesty International calls on the authorities to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of each person killed, including allegations of excessive force used by security forces. This should include all victims’ families, including the families of police officers who lost their lives.
The protesters and bystanders killed during the August 2022 protests were collectively buried on October 17, 2022, in a shared grave. Regrettably, the families were not afforded the opportunity to identify their loved ones or bid them farewell according to their wishes and rituals.
Relatives of the victims share the profound impact this has had on their lives. One family member expressed, “I usually don’t talk about this, even if I go outside and they talk about this, I would move away from that place because of the stigma.” These painful memories continue to affect the well-being of those who lost loved ones.
Amnesty International also highlighted that none of the individuals they spoke with were consulted during the Special Committee’s investigation. However, the families remain hopeful that justice will eventually be served.
After the protests, 515 people were arrested and prosecuted for a range of offenses. Some faced severe challenges, including limited access to legal counsel. Amnesty International’s investigation revealed that some were convicted based solely on the testimony of arresting officers without additional corroborating evidence.
“The authorities should protect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure that protest policing respects both national and international human rights standards,” emphasized Samira Daoud.
The events of August 2022 continue to cast a shadow over Sierra Leone, with calls for accountability and justice echoing loudly as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violent protests.
What action did you took when adebayor was all over the social media instigating the fools the lost their lives to go out and disturb the peace of the country. Use another word instead of investigation. Police have the right to use live bullet on anyone that tries to take their own lives as they all have their own families and not the rebels alone you’re asking justice for. Fool amnesty international
I strongly believed that Amnesty International, Adebayor and APC were behind the killing of innocent souls that lost their lives
Amnesty international is a puppet to juctices. Why he cannot tell putin or hamas that. Why amnesty didnot advice APC and their thugs not to go on the street in anywhere in sierra leone from the 7th to 10th of august 2022 for protest. Is sierra leone alone have higher cost of living? God, Himself don’t like such people. He advices in 1st Timothy 2: 1– 3, that to pray for their leaders and obey the law of the land so that you will not get into trouble with it. APC is a lawless party, their leaders just pretend to be good when they are not ruling. Ask Siaka steven, S. I. Koroma, Joseph Momoh, C.A. Kamara Taylor, etc. Lawless leaders, killed their citizens who opposed them, this is the same APC party going on to day. They never changed, and they will never change their theories. Satanic creatures. God will handle them. Tell me if I am lying. May God help our beloved sierra leone. Amen.
I feel like kamajors are here writing trash.
Some of you are traitors to the nation of sierra leone. Those who love sierra leone for betterments, whether supporting APC or SLPP, or nautral person speaks the truth, you must criticizes them. It is in your blood, I don’t blame you. You are not truthful to yourself, so you can’t accept the truth. Sierra Leone must better by God’s grace. Amen.