By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Honorable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially inaugurated the Sexual Offences Model Court in Bo, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Southern region.
During the ceremony, resident High Court Judge Hon. Justice Francis Banks-Kamara highlighted that the UNICEF-sponsored initiative aims to create a supportive environment for young victims and vulnerable witnesses, allowing them to navigate the judicial process while preserving their dignity and self-esteem.
Supreme Court Judge Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to its foundational purpose, stressing that its success relies heavily on the support of development partners. He praised UNICEF for its timely assistance and noted the Chief Justice’s intention to establish similar courts in other major towns, including Makeni, Kono, Kambia, and Kenema.
In his keynote address, Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized that the opening of the court represents a major advancement in the criminal justice system. “This is a significant event, and I am confident that it will address our historical challenges in adopting a victim-friendly approach to sexual offenses,” he stated. He pledged to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure that judicial staff are well-equipped to handle sexual offense cases through established guidelines.
Encouraging local residents and stakeholders to care for the new facility, the Chief Justice underscored the importance of community support in the judicial process.
State Counsel for the Southern Region, Augustin Sheku, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Justice, noted that the gathering aimed to uphold children’s rights. He described Bo as a key city for addressing sexual offenses, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected while affording accused individuals a fair trial and expediting cases.
Paramount Chief Joe Kangbai Marcakarvoray of Tikonko Chiefdom expressed gratitude for the establishment of the court, viewing it as a crucial infrastructure for the justice sector. He acknowledged the previous lack of such a court as a barrier to swift trials in sexual offense matters and commended the Chief Justice for his timely intervention to safeguard vulnerable witnesses.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
