By Nasratu Kargbo
The Leader of the Main Opposition in Parliament Chernor Maju Bah has asked that the public be updated on the number of deaths that occurred in the August 10th, 2022 protest and after the incident.
Bah in a press release dated 17th August 2022 said: “I call on the government to immediately take steps to ameliorate the situation by ensuring that the number of people killed during and after the incident is made public, with their corpses handed over to their families for dignified burial rites” said Bah.
He asked that the number of those detained be made public and that they be granted access to their families. He advised that the government ensures their rights are protected and provided with legal representation if they are unable to afford one, and for speedy and fair access to a court of law.
Bah claimed that some citizens of their party, who were arrested before the protest on the 10th of August 2022, are still in detention.
He recommended for an Independent Committee to quickly investigate the August 10 riots and their aftermath.
However, Bah emphasized that the government should ensure that the composition and conduct of the Committee is trustworthy and non-partisan with the primary aim of providing truthful findings and proffer recommendations that will provide redress for the families of victims.
In addition, he called on the International Community to continue providing political support in order to motivate the political spirit to overcome the challenges that the country is currently facing.
He called on Inter-Religious Council (IRC) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Paramount Chiefs, and other stakeholders to help promote reconciliation, healing, and social cohesion, in the country through engagements.
During the violent 10th August 2022 protests, dozens of people were killed including Police Officers. Since then, the Police have confirmed raids were conducted and arrests made in different parts of the country leading to the death of one APC social media commentator, Hassan S. Dumbuya also known as Evangelist Samson in a crossfire according to a press statement by the Sierra Leone Police confirming his shooting.
Copyright © Politico Online (19/08/22)
