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The Acting Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Justice N. Browne-Marke has assured inmates of Falaba District of Speedy Trial.
The Acting Hon. Chief Justice gave the assurance during his face-to-face discussion with inmates on how their cases should be expeditiously tried at Falaba 4th May 2024.
According to the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Unit, the Hon. Chief Justice embarked on the above trip after he was informed by the Director General of the Correctional Services that inmates at the center are demonstrating and same refusing to eat because their cases or matters are not making progress. The Chief Justice confirmed that the plights of the inmates were communicated to him by the Director General himself.
“Your concerns are in place and they are in line with our vision statement which is accessible, fair and expeditious justice for all in Sierra Leone. Hence, I will assure you that before the commencement of the May Criminal Session, a judge will be assigned to address your concerns.” The Hon. CJ assured inmates.
In a conducted tour at the Centre, the Hon. Chief Justice discovered that thirty-two (32) inmates are on trial at the High Court and twenty-three (23) are on remand at the magistrate court. This means that the assurance of the Hon. Chief Justice is directed to fifty-five (55) inmates whose cases will be expeditiously dealt with at the start of the May Criminal Session.
His observation further revealed that the center was built to host not more than Seventy (70) inmates, but same is currently hosting one hundred and eleven(111) male inmates and six (6) female inmates making a total of one hundred and seventeen (117) inmates.
Even though some of the male inmates are locked-up in cells meant for female inmates, the Centre cannot be tagged as overcrowding Centre in strict reality.
The inmates and Correctional officers reportedly expressed satisfaction not because the Hon. Chief Justice himself visited them, but on the grounds that he had face-to-face discussion with them and assured them of expeditious trial before the close of the May Criminal Session.
