Sengbe Marrah Esq. Requests Investigation By Police Board

Following the attack on the person of Ibrahim Alusine Kamara of the Salone Compass Newspaper on 25^th June at the APC headquarters on Old Railway Line, where he and other colleague journalists were invited to a Press Conference, in which he was assaulted and his vehicle damaged, the aggrieved journalists has consulted his lawyers to ensure that he gets Justice. His Lawyers, Marrah and Associates, have written to the Police Complaints Board, requesting investigation of the matter and bringing the culprits to book.

It could be recalled that on 25^th June, a day after polling day, the main opposition party invited the media and international observers to a press conference at its headquarters on Old Railway Line in Freetown. During the said meeting, some armed police arrived at the vicinity and fired several volleys of tear gas canisters at the building, with many falling inside the conference hall, forcing those inside to take cover, which was followed by gun fire, which eventually killed one woman in the party office.

However, Ibrahim Kamara and some other journalists sought refuge in a neighboring house, and in trying to leave the premises with permission from a senior security officer in the vicinity, he noticed that his vehicle had been vandalized. With permission to move the vehicle from the scene, Kamara was stopped by another set of officers, who manhandled him, inflicting pain on his person with their gun-butts.

Ibrahim Kamara reported the matter to the police, but no action has been taken, and has now taken action through his lawyers to get justice.

See letter below:

D LAW

AssoctAvss

LAW

2023

LEO.AL EXCELLENCE

M,ARRAH & ASSOCIATES

18^th October 2023

The Chairperson

Independent Police Complaints Board Kingharman Road, Freetown.

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: REOUEST FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ASSAULT AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO IBRAHIM ALUSINE KAMARA BY SECURITY PERSONELS

We have been consulted and our services retained by Mr. Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (hereinafter referred to as “our client”). Our client informs us as follows: i. that he is a Journalist with the ‘Salone Compass Newspaper’ outfit situate at No.7G Fergusson Street, Freetown.

1. that on the 25^th day of June 2023, his media outlet was invited to a press conference by the All Peoples Congress party (APC).

• that while covering the press conference, security personnel stormed the APC conference and fired rounds of teargas canisters and live bullets which caused him and other colleague journalists to seek safety in a nearby residence until calm was restored.

1. that our client immediately returned to his vehicle and noticed that the said vehicle (Toyota Highlander Vehicle numbered AIJ-446) had been seriously damaged during the shooting spree. Enclosed are photos of the said damaged vehicle for ease of reference.
2. that on his request, one of the security officers stationed at the scene granted him permission to take his vehicle to a garage for repairs.
3. that enroute to a garage, he •was halted by two military officers and an OSD officer who aggressively demanded that he returned the vehicle.

vii.that despite his endeavor to comply, one of the officers hit him with the rear of his gun while the other officer corked his gun attempting to shoot at him save for the timely intervention of the Hon. Chernoh Bah who cautioned with the said officers.

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viii. that the incident caused him severe phvsical and psvchological trauma which prompted him to seek medical help at Choithrams Hospital.

i.x. that he has expended about UDSD3000 to repair his vehicle and about USDI.OOO in medical expenses.

1. that bv a letter dated 26^th June 2023, he formally reported the incident to the Inspector General of Police for his intervention but has received no response till the date herein.

In view of the matters aforesaid, we write on our client’s instructions to request an investi2ation into the conduct ofthe said Police officers pursuant to Re2ulation 3 Sub Regulation I(c) (d) & (h) of the Independent Police Complaints Board Regulations 2003. Our client is available to testify and present documentary evidence and witnesses to support his complaint.

We trust we would hear from you as soon as reasonably convenient.

Yours faithfullv

cc:

1. Executive Secretary, Human Right Commission Sierra Leone
2. President, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists
3. File