FREETOWN — The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has issued a strong call for urgent reforms following disturbing findings on the conditions of detainees across several police stations in Freetown.
In a recent monitoring visit to eight police facilities, CHRDI representatives spoke with 192 detainees—177 males and 15 females—and reported widespread rights violations and inhumane conditions.
At the Congo Cross Police Station, female detainees were found sleeping on makeshift beds fashioned from cardboard due to the lack of proper sleeping arrangements. Sanitation facilities there were described as deplorable, raising concerns about health risks and hygiene.
Medical neglect also emerged as a key issue. Detainees at both Lumley and Adelaide Street stations reportedly received little to no medical attention, despite clear health needs.
Of particular concern was the detention of 63 individuals beyond the legal time limit, which CHRDI attributed to poor coordination between the police and other justice sector institutions. Out of the 192 detainees encountered, only 21 had been formally charged, while five were released during the monitoring process.
CHRDI is urging the government and law enforcement agencies to implement immediate reforms to safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of detainees, warning that current conditions undermine both justice and human rights standards.
