Prominent lawyer and senior member of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, has raised concerns over the current state of individual rights and freedoms in the country. Kamara’s remarks come amid growing criticism of restrictions on public activities and perceived overreach by law enforcement authorities.
Commenting on social media, Kamara questioned whether Sierra Leone is shifting towards becoming a police state. “The line between security and individual rights must be marked with care,” he said. Highlighting recent incidents, he noted that citizens are increasingly being denied their right to assemble and protest.
“Citizens cannot protest, as police clearances are invariably denied. Lawyers were stopped from hosting a party in Bo, for similar reasons. Even to jog as a group needs clearance,” Kamara asserted.
The statement follows reports of heightened security measures, which critics argue have curtailed basic freedoms. Civil society groups have previously expressed concern over the growing use of police clearances as a mechanism to suppress dissent and control public gatherings.
Supporters of the government, however, argue that these measures are necessary to maintain public order and prevent unrest in a politically charged environment. The Sierra Leone Police has defended its actions, citing legal provisions requiring permits for public assemblies to ensure security and avoid potential conflicts.
Kamara’s remarks add to an ongoing debate about the balance between national security and civil liberties in Sierra Leone. His call for introspection echoes sentiments among opposition leaders and rights advocates who fear the erosion of democratic principles in the West African nation.
The government has yet to respond to Kamara’s comments, but the issue is likely to remain a key point of contention as political tensions persist.
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