By: Elizabeth A. Kaine
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has paid fines totaling NLe111, 700 to secure the release of 47 inmates from the Pujehun Correctional Centre. The inmates were incarcerated for various petty offenses and were unable to pay their fines due to poverty.
Dr. Sengeh’s gesture aims to alleviate overcrowding in the correctional center, which was built in 1914 to accommodate 76 inmates but has exceeded its capacity. During his visit, Dr. Sengeh noted that the prison was housing individuals who were imprisoned solely due to their inability to pay fines, highlighting the need for intervention.
After visiting the Pujehun Correctional Center, Dr. Sengeh was compelled to take action due to the facility’s severe overcrowding. The center is housing a significantly larger population, with approximately 90% of the inmates being young people.
Dr. Sengeh observed that the majority of the inmates were imprisoned due to their inability to pay fines, with some amounts as low as 200 leones. He emphasized that this is not justice, as individuals should not be incarcerated solely because of their poverty.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, has made progress in addressing these issues through the new Criminal Procedural Act. However, he stressed that more needs to be done urgently to ensure justice is served.
Dr. Sengeh described the Bio Administration as a “human capital government,” emphasizing the need for leaders to demonstrate this commitment through their actions. By paying the fines, Dr. Sengeh has enabled the release of the inmates, helping to reduce the prison population and alleviate the strain on the correctional facility.
