Human Rights Activist Assaulted by Police Officer in Daru: Calls for Accountability Surge
In a troubling incident on July 26, 2024, Sumarine Thompson Fatorma, a prominent human rights activist with Amnesty International Sierra Leone and a member of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), was brutally manhandled by Police Constable (PC) 19887 Mustapha Konneh at the Daru Police Station.
The assault reportedly stemmed from Fatorma addressing the officer simply as “Konneh” instead of “Mr. Konneh,” which infuriated PC Konneh and led to a severe beating, violence, and humiliation inflicted upon Fatorma within the premises of the Complaint Discipline and Internal Investigation Department (CDID) Office in Daru.
Background of the Incident
According to a reliable source, Fatorma had visited the Daru Police Station to seek bail for a school pupil who was on the verge of writing his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The situation escalated when Fatorma failed to use the formal address, prompting an immediate and aggressive response from PC Konneh.
Witnesses at the scene reported that Fatorma was subjected to significant physical violence before being rescued by another officer from the CDID. Despite his ordeal, Fatorma’s attempts to file a formal complaint were obstructed as PC Konneh confiscated the police station’s complaint book and left the premises.
Response from Local Authorities
The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Daru Police Station responded by promising to escalate the matter to the CDID Office. Fatorma was subsequently issued a medical form, which was duly endorsed after an examination at the Community Health Centre in Daru. Following the medical examination, Fatorma’s case was documented at the CDID Office, and his case file was transferred to the Regional Police Headquarters in Kenema.
Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability
The media and human rights activists in the region have expressed outrage over the incident, calling for immediate action from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) leadership. They demand that PC 19887 Mustapha Konneh be held accountable for his unprofessional and abusive behavior, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the principles of justice and human rights that the police force is supposed to uphold.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many highlighting the need for systemic reforms within the SLP to address issues of police brutality and impunity. Human rights organizations are rallying behind Fatorma, vowing to ensure that justice is served and that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The call for accountability is not only about punishing the individual officer involved but also about reinforcing the standards of conduct expected from law enforcement officers and protecting the rights of citizens.
Broader Implications for Sierra Leone
This incident underscores the broader challenges faced in ensuring that police forces operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as a test of the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to justice and accountability.
The attack on Fatorma, a respected human rights advocate, brings to light the critical need for comprehensive training programs for police officers that emphasize respect for human rights and proper conduct. It also highlights the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuses of power and to ensure that complaints against police misconduct are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Next Steps and Calls to Action
In response to the assault, local and international human rights organizations are mobilizing to provide support to Fatorma and to pressure the Sierra Leone government to take decisive action. They are calling for:An Immediate and Thorough Investigation: An independent and transparent investigation into the assault, with findings made public and appropriate actions taken against PC Konneh and any other officers involved.
Institutional Reforms: Implementation of reforms within the SLP to prevent future incidents of police brutality, including better training on human rights and the establishment of stronger accountability measures.
Support for Victims: Provision of support and protection for victims of police violence, ensuring they have access to medical care, legal assistance, and other necessary resources.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and the proper conduct expected from police officers, empowering communities to demand justice and accountability.
The assault on Sumarine Thompson Fatorma is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring justice and accountability within the Sierra Leone Police force. As the case progresses, it will serve as a critical indicator of the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and addressing police misconduct. The demand for justice and systemic change continues to grow, with the hope that this incident will catalyze meaningful reforms and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Sierra Leoneans.
