Sierra Leone Bar Association (letterhead)
1 May 2020
GENERAL NOTICE
The Sierra Leone Bar Association (herein known as “SLBA”) woke up to a rude shock on Wednesday 29th April 2020 to the unwelcome scene of an attempted jail break at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre.
Our memories about jail breaks have never been pleasant. Evidence abound that whenever there is such an occurrence, Judges, Lawyers and Judicial support staff are prime targets to criminals and other miscreants. The anarchy that ensues threatens our very existence as a Nation.
As an association, we breathe a sigh of relief as the incident of 29th supra did not degenerate to that level. We doff our hats to members of the joint security forces including but not limited to the Military, the Police, the Correctional officers, the Fire Force, the Office of National Security etc. for the timely response to put the situation under control.
The SLBA hereby unequivocally condemn the magnitude to life and property within the precincts of the Correctional Center aforesaid.
In light of the above the SLBA states as follows:
- That we fully endorse the launch of a full, thorough and impartial investigation into the incident aforesaid.
- That Government puts mechanisms in place to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidence.
- That Government relocates the Pademba Road Correctional Centre, for same has long proven to be a threat to the peace and quiet of the Country.
Signed:
Abdul Karim Kamara Esq.
General Secretary.
