By: Ilyasa Baa
A leading human rights defence based institution in Sierra Leone has condemned the use of force or mob justice against those arrested for the possession and distribution of Kush which is said to have become a security threat as a good number of youths have become addicted to the drug.
The Human Rights Defenders Network’s Executive Secretary, Alphansus Gbanie has said though the network totally condemns the intake of any drugs, it also condemns the manner in which the police sometimes handle the situation.
“The can destroy their meeting points but don’t beat them up”, Gbanie reiterated at the popular Kol Res show on social media platforms. He said the video circulated on the social media where a woman was beaten by the community people when they went to effect arrest, is a case of jungle justice and a human right violation noting that the law should take its course at all times. He said the destruction of the locations of addicts is timely, emphasing that the due process must be followed in as much as the drug has become a menace to society.
Alphonsus Gbanie called on Sierra Leoneans to rethink over their approach to the police force noting that the attack on officers is not tolerated as it is being entirely condemned though he expressed concern over the independence of the police whose Council is being chaired by the Vice President who is the Second Gentleman in the government.
He said the police should be at the helm of affairs with regards the maintenance of law and order as provided in the existing Constitution the country uses.
The fight against Kush has taken a community approach with people giving vital information to police. Over the week end, the raids conducted by the Waterloo Police Division has yield dividends as dozens of people including women and under aged children were arrested and prosecuted at the Waterloo Magistrate Court.
It could be recalled that the Deputy Majority Leader representing the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Hon Emerson Lamina had put the issue of Kush before the House calling for tough action against those involved in the illegal substance.
However, the conspiracy theory on the proliferation of Kush is being closely monitored by the Sierra Leone Police which are on the watch though photos of security officers under the influence of Kush are widely circulated.
