By Nasratu Kargbo
The Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Richard Peter Gibao Roberts has said that the twenty-four juvenile protesters that were arrested as a result of the August 10th demonstration are currently with Catholic mission-supported children’s organisation Don Bosco Fambul.
Roberts during a Press briefing held on the 25th of August 2022 at the Police headquarters in Freetown, explained that the children arrested were handed over to the Ministry of Social Welfare, which then ensured they were taken to Don Bosco.
He stated that despite the fact that there were shreds of evidence such as videos of some of those boys and girls beating dead bodies with sticks and looting, the ministry took them to a safe place.
Roberts explained that one hundred and thirty-three persons have been released unconditionally, which he said is a clear indication that not all that were arrested will be charged.
“That is the reason and essence of investigation,” said the officer, adding that investigations will be done and that unless evidence is found, they cannot proffer charges.
Responding to the question on the number of people in Police custody, he said he cannot give an exact figure, as investigations are ongoing, with some people being released based on the evidence presented. He disclosed that some protesters are still in hiding.
The Executive Director for Defense of Children International Abdul Manaff Kemokai during an engagement between President Julius Maada Bio and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in relation to the insurrection that occurred on the 10th of August, appealed that criminal prosecution should not be used when dealing with the children that were arrested for being part of the protest, urging that they be treated as kids.
He advised that the children’s families should be traced so they can be reunited with their families and reintegrated into society. Kemokai however recommended that the children be reintegrated after being warned and educated on what is a protest and the procedures one has to go through before embarking on such a venture.
Copyright © Politico Online (29/08/22)
