The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) in collaboration with the Legal Aid Board, has secured the release of Ashanty Kargbo 19 from prison who had spent 3 years, eight months on remand without trial.
On 12th April 2016, the HRCSL received a complaint from Ismail Koroma on behalf of his sister, Ashanty Kargbo alleging that in 2013, the matter of his sister, (Ashanty Kargbo) was committed to the High Court and was since detained without trial. He further alleged that the said matter was brought to court in June 2013 on allegations of wounding/wounding with intent and the preliminary investigation was done at Magistrate Court. No.2 presided over by Magistrate Seray Wurie.
Upon monitoring and investigations by the HRCSL, it was confirmed that Ashanty was held at the Female Correctional Center since 2013 and was never tried since her matter was committed to the High Court. The Commission’s findings also revealed that her file from the Magistrate court could not be traced.
In August 2016, HRCSL wrote a letter to the Deputy Assistant Registrar of the High court with reference to the continued detention of Ashanty Kargbo without trial. The letter stated that the Commission was concerned about the continued detention of her after her matter was committed to the High Court. The Commission noted that it contravened her right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time. “In the circumstance, the Commission is concerned that the continued detention of Ashanty after committal is in contravention of her right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time”. The letter indicated.
The Commission further requested for urgent administrative intervention in this matter to ensure that her file was available for immediate preparation of her indictment so that her right to fair trial will be guaranteed.
With persistent monitoring and engagements, on November 3rd 2016, the matter was called by Justice Monfred Sesay at 1PM and the accused, Ashanty Kargbo appeared in court represented by Legal Aid Board. She was later acquitted and discharged that same day.
Wednesday November 09, 2016
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