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The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has condemned what it described as a “severe abuse of power” by military personnel captured in a viral video, calling for swift accountability and justice.
In a statement, the human rights organisation said the actions shown in the footage constituted a direct violation of Sierra Leone’s Constitution, deprived citizens of their fundamental human dignity, and undermined the constitutional mandate of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
“These actions directly violate the Constitution of Sierra Leone, strip citizens of their fundamental human dignity, and fundamentally undermine the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces,” CHRDI stated.
The organisation urged the leadership of the RSLAF to take decisive measures to restore public confidence in the institution. Among its recommendations are the immediate suspension of all military personnel implicated in the incident pending investigations and the commencement of criminal prosecutions where sufficient evidence exists.
CHRDI further warned that the incident has placed Sierra Leone’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law under intense scrutiny. It called on the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure those responsible are held accountable and stressed that military personnel must remain subject to the law.
“The military uniform is not a licence for cruelty nor a shield for immunity,” the organisation said, urging authorities to demonstrate that no one is above the law.
