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A fuel shortage that reportedly prevented the Sierra Leone Correctional Service from taking inmates to court has raised fresh concerns over delays in criminal proceedings.
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law–Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) said the Correctional Service was unable to transport inmates to court from Aug. 17 to Aug. 19 because its vehicles lacked fuel.
CARL-SL described the reported disruption as a serious human rights concern, warning that missed court appearances could delay proceedings and potentially extend the detention of inmates awaiting trial.
The organisation said the situation could undermine inmates’ constitutional right to a fair and timely trial, particularly where court appearances depend on the Correctional Service’s ability to provide transportation.
CARL-SL also raised broader concerns about the institution’s finances. It alleged that the government has not made operational funds available to the Correctional Service since the beginning of 2026.
The organisation linked the reported funding difficulties to operational challenges facing the service, including the ability to transport inmates to court.
However, the funding allegation has not been independently verified. Recent reports on the issue attribute the claim to CARL-SL rather than confirming it as an established fact.
CARL-SL urged the government to address the reported fuel shortage and funding concerns, emphasising that logistical constraints should not prevent inmates from accessing the courts.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” CARL-SL noted in its statement.
The organisation said ensuring that inmates appear for scheduled court proceedings is essential to protecting due process and preventing avoidable delays within the justice system.
