The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has expressed deep concern over reports that the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) was unable to transport inmates to court from Monday 17 August to Wednesday 19 August 2026 due to a lack of fuel for its vehicles.
In a statement issued this week, CARL-SL described the disruption as a serious human rights issue.
It said the failure to move inmates to court undermines their right to a fair and timely trial and risks contributing to unnecessary or prolonged detention.
The organisation also raised alarm over allegations that the government has not released allocated funds to the Correctional Service since the start of 2026.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” CARL-SL stated, calling on the government to urgently address the situation and ensure no inmate is denied timely access to the courts because of a shortage of basic resources.
The episode highlights longstanding strains in Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system. Correctional facilities have faced severe overcrowding for years. In February 2026, monitors from the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) found the Freetown male correctional facility holding 1,802 inmates in a space designed for 324, more than five times its capacity. Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) reports have repeatedly linked overcrowding to delays in trials, adjournments, and difficulties meeting bail conditions.
Court proceedings themselves have been hampered by logistical and resource problems. Earlier monitoring has documented frequent adjournments caused by the absence of parties, lawyers, or state readiness, as well as practical shortages such as printer ink and proper case filing systems. Transport of inmates has been identified in the past as a recurring bottleneck; reports from previous years noted instances in which suspects had to walk to court in handcuffs due to vehicle shortages.
Fuel challenges are not limited to the Correctional Service. Sierra Leone has experienced volatility in fuel pricing and occasional supply pressures throughout 2026, with pump prices for petrol and diesel remaining relatively high despite global market fluctuations and government subsidies. Broader public-sector fuel allocation delays have also affected other services, including health workers.
CARL-SL, a long-established civil society organisation focused on accountability, human rights, and the rule of law, urged immediate government action to restore normal court operations and prevent further erosion of inmates’ rights.
