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Former Attorney General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has criticized Chief Minister David Sengeh Over Payment of fines for Prison inmates.
Lawyer Kamara believes that even with the best of Intentions, he described the move as an error in Judgment . Kamara Justified that Sentencing was because of crimes committed and not poverty adding that the payment unknowingly promotes impunity. He suggested that it is better to have enabled the Legal Aid, to do the needful.
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, recently committed to paying fines for 47 inmates in Pujehun.
He made this decision after visiting the Pujehun Correctional Center and observing that the facility, which was built to house 1,914 inmates, is operating beyond its capacity
According to Sengeh the center is crowded with people who were only there because they are poor and they couldn’t pay the fines they were given at conviction, adding that the more troubling was the fact that about 90% of the inhabitants are young people.
He continued that while the government of President Julius Maada Bio has now passed a new law in the Criminal Procedural Act which addresses some of these issues that kept poor people through incarceration, more justice still needs to be done quickly.
“We learned that there were Prisoners there behind bars because they couldn’t pay a fine of 200 leones. Some 500 and most 1,000. How can someone spend time in prison because they are poor? This is not justice.” Chief Minister stated
He described the Bio Administration as a human capital government, and as leaders within the government, they must demonstrate this through their actions.
This has never happened a setting government minister paying fines for inmates.
The former AGMinJus out to know that the Chief Minister’s payment of fines in fact follows legal procedures, focusing on rehabilitated inmates with minor offenses. This action supports reintegration, reducing recidivism. It does not promote impunity but complements Legal Aid by addressing immediate needs, ensuring justice and societal harmony. Sentencing considers both crime and context. In future, he should read around the laws of this country before becoming a social media lay lawyer.
Thank you Mr. Minister
Let me guess. JFK is jealous because neither him, nor his former boss EBK, nor any other member of his political party has ever done this before. Now that CM Sengeh is doing it, will increase his popularity come 2028 elections.
It’s puzzling how JFK reached such a poor conclusion. He seems to have forgotten that the US Embassy, with support from the Bureau for Democracy and Human Rights, sponsored a $1,500,000 project titled “From Prisons to Corrections” during his tenure as AGMinJus.
The “From Prisons to Corrections” project aimed to transform the penal system by focusing on several key objectives including rehabilitation and reintegration, human rights and dignity, and promoting alternatives to incarceration for minor offenses.
These objectives highlight the comprehensive approach taken by the “From Prisons to Corrections” project, aiming to create a more humane and effective correctional system.
To educate the former AGMinJus, here’s a response that addresses the concerns raised:
Legal Framework: The release of inmates is not arbitrary. It follows a thorough legal process where the nature of the crime, the behavior of the inmate, and their rehabilitation progress are considered. This ensures that only those who have shown genuine remorse and rehabilitation are considered for release.
Justice and Rehabilitation: The justice system aims not only to punish but also to rehabilitate offenders. By supporting the reintegration of reformed individuals, the CM is promoting a balanced approach that serves both justice and societal harmony. This does not mean that serious offenders are released without due process. Each case is evaluated on its merits, ensuring that justice is not compromised.
Case-by-Case Basis: Taking the hypothetical example of Kpaka, if he were found guilty of a serious crime, his release would not be considered without a comprehensive review. The CM’s actions are aimed at those who have committed minor offenses and have shown significant progress in their rehabilitation.
Victim Perspective: The feelings of the victims and their families are paramount. The legal system ensures that their voices are heard and that justice is served. The CM’s initiative does not undermine this process but rather complements it by focusing on those who have served their time and shown a commitment to change.
Societal Benefits: Reintegrating reformed individuals can reduce recidivism and promote a safer society. It also alleviates the burden on the prison system, allowing resources to be focused on more serious offenders.
By considering these points, it becomes clear that the CM’s actions are not only legally sound but also aimed at fostering a just, inclusive, and rehabilitative society.
Congratulations Mr chief minister