A new monitoring report by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised serious concerns about Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system, highlighting widespread over-detention, limited access to legal representation, and poor conditions in police holding facilities across the Western Urban Area of Freetown.

The report, based on visits conducted between April 21 and 23, assessed 14 police stations and interviewed 555 detainees 522 men and 33 women. According to CHRDI, only 31 individuals, representing about 5.6 percent, were either formally charged or released on bail during the monitoring period.

At the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), which handles serious criminal cases, 57 suspects were reportedly held beyond constitutional time limits without formal charges during the period of observation.

Overall, the findings indicate that 254 detainees were held beyond the time allowed by law, while 393 individuals had no access to legal representation while in custody.

Related News

The report identified the CID as having the highest number of unrepresented suspects, followed by Eastern Police Station and Calaba Town Police Station.

CHRDI described the findings as evidence of a justice system under “severe strain,” where procedural safeguards are frequently not observed, leading to prolonged detention without timely court access.

The report also documented poor living conditions in several police cells, noting the absence of formal state provision for food. It stated that police officers often pay for meals out of pocket, with conditions worsening on Sundays due to limited supplies.

It further highlighted the lack of bedding materials such as mattresses or foam, forcing detainees without external support to sleep on concrete floors, plastic sheets, or cardboard.

CHRDI also observed that administrative costs, including photocopying of documents, are sometimes covered by police officers or passed on to detainees and their relatives. In some instances, suspects were reportedly required to pay for drinking water due to limited facility provisions.

Young people aged between 18 and 35 formed the largest group in custody, with 59 detainees recorded at Kissy Police Station and 56 at Ross Road Police Station.

The report further raised concerns about minors being held in adult cells at Congo Cross and Lumley Police Stations, a practice it said contravenes international child protection standards.

It also cited allegations that some detainees and their families were asked to make informal payments linked to bail processes, while the lack of sureties contributed to prolonged detention in several cases.

CHRDI noted that ongoing power outages and uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) are among the factors contributing to delays in charging suspects.

The organisation said these challenges continue to undermine the efficiency of police operations and delay access to justice for detainees.

It has called for urgent reforms, including state-provided food, bedding, and sanitation materials in all police cells, as well as guaranteed free legal aid from the point of arrest.

CHRDI also recommended an end to informal payments for bail and administrative services, improved infrastructure including reliable electricity supply, and clearer implementation guidelines for the Criminal Procedure Act to reduce delays.

It further urged authorities to ensure that minors are removed from adult detention facilities and placed in appropriate protective environments.

The report adds to growing calls for justice sector reform in Sierra Leone, particularly regarding pre-trial detention practices and access to legal representation.