By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S.
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Amnesty International Sierra Leone has urged the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the Sierra Leone Police to close its Benghazi facility, which is alleged to be used for torturing suspects. This call was made during a press conference on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Located at the OSD headquarters in Brookfield, the Benghazi facility has come under scrutiny following complaints from citizens about inhumane treatment and torture by police officers. Jaiah Kaikai, Campaign and Growth Coordinator for Amnesty International Sierra Leone, emphasized that operating such a facility subjects suspects to degrading treatment.
Kaikai referenced specific incidents, including one where suspects accused of stealing fuel from PC and Sons fuel depot were taken to Ross Road Police Station and subsequently sent to the so-called ‘Benghazi torture camp’ for alleged torture before being returned to the police station. “How can such things happen?” Kaikai questioned, noting the numerous complaints received from victims and their families. “We are doing our best as a human rights organization to ensure that such inhuman and degrading treatment stops.”
Yalia Kamara, Amnesty International’s West Region Chairman, shared harrowing accounts from victims, including one who displayed scars and bruises from alleged torture. “As a professional police force, they should not be involved in such behavior,” Kamara stated. She also highlighted that suspects had spent 12 days in custody without being formally charged, violating their fundamental human rights. Upon following up with the police, Kamara reported that the crime officer claimed no records of such cases existed.
Amnesty International’s demand for the closure of the Benghazi facility underscores ongoing concerns regarding human rights abuses and the pressing need for accountability within the Sierra Leone Police.
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