Sierra Leoneans wanted for their alleged involvement in the August 10th, 2022 protest that was later transformed into a bloody riot. The protesters clashed with police during the event. They expressed their grievances regarding the rising cost of living, alleged electoral irregularities, and corruption within the President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
In Freetown, the Sierra Leone police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, leading to the deaths of at least twenty protesters and six police officers.
In response to the unrest, the government took a proactive approach by initiating a formal investigation into the anti-government protests, committing to hold the organizers accountable. After several days of thorough investigation, the commission determined that the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) had played a role in the unauthorized organization of the protest, which unfortunately led to loss of lives and damage to properties. The commission recommended that several youth activists and the youth leader of the APC be brought to justice for their involvement in the protest.
At the East End of Freetown, supporters and sympathizers of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) party were alleged to organizing and championing the protest leading to several arrests being made in that part of the city.
Investigations revealed that some young men were unlawfully arrested at Mellon Street in the East End of Freetown without access granted to their family members or lawyers to see them. Speaking to this reporter, a closed family member said Alusine Dumbuya was arrested together with some of his friends, Abu Bakarr Kamara, Mohamed Kamara and Sorie Bangura are among the notable names that were wrongfully arrested.
Investigation further revealed that Alusine Dumbuya who was accused as the leader of the protesters in that part of Freetown was last seen by his family on the day of the arrest. A close family member said that Alusine Dumbuya was not part of the protest but that he is a member of the opposition party and well known among his pears as a vibrant and out spoken person especially on politics.
This medium uncovered that those who were arrested at Mellon Street were initial taken to Wellington Police Station before finally being remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Facility without due process.
The spokesperson of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) refused to comment on this matter when contacted for clarifications. Investigations Continue
