Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has issued a statement raising concern over police killing of a man believed to be a US citizen of Sierra Leonean origin.
Police say the deceased was brandishing a light weapon in the full glare of the public along Lumley beach in the west of Freetown, creating panic amongst people.
The commission’s statement, released on 29 May 2013, says the SLP was courageous to have owned up to killing the man.
“HRCSL is equally concerned that the deceased possessed a gun and encourages the SLP to investigate this situation. The resulting loss of life …is a violation of the right to life and needs to be investigated” the release says.
The commission calls on government to immediately establish an independent body to fully investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of the man Abdul Michael Kamara.
“HRCSL is of the view that any death in the hands of the police, which is a statutory institution, must be investigated”, the release adds, and urges family members of the deceased and the general public to come forward and provide relevant information.
Reacting to the commission’s release, police spokesman, ASP Ibrahim Samoura said the killing was “justifiable and falls within the confines of the rules of engagement”. He said police had to do what they did “for the protection of the people of this country”. Asked whether he did not think the police were heavy-handed by killing Abdul, Samoura said he did not think so.
