CHRDI Mounts Pressure on the Judiciary
By Evelyn Jones
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has strongly condemned what it describes as the systematic misuse of bail conditions by the judiciary in Sierra Leone, calling for urgent reforms to protect the rights of accused persons. In a press release, CHRDI expressed deep concern over what it labeled “onerous and excessive” bail requirements being imposed by judicial officers—particularly on economically disadvantaged individuals. The organization argues that these practices not only undermine the presumption of innocence but also criminalize poverty. “The bail system is being used in a way that discriminates against the poor,” the statement reads. “People who have not been convicted of any crime are languishing in pretrial detention simply because they cannot afford to meet bail conditions.”CHRDI cited multiple cases where individuals charged with minor or nonviolent offenses were granted bail under terms they could not fulfill—resulting in extended incarceration. According to the organization, this contradicts both Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution and international human rights standards, which guarantee the right to liberty and a fair trial. “Bail is not a form of punishment,” CHRDI emphasized. “It is a mechanism to ensure that accused persons appear in court. It must not be used as a tool to keep people behind bars based on their financial status.” CHRDI is calling on the Chief Justice, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, and other stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s bail system. The organization also urged for training programs for judicial officers and law enforcement personnel to ensure fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory application of bail conditions. The statement concluded with a clear warning: “Justice must be equal for all—not just for those who can afford it.” CHRDI, a prominent advocate for human rights and legal reform in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring issues that affect access to justice and the rule of law across the country.
