After several attempts to get justice from the police in respect of an assault on his person and damage to his vehicle while attending a Press Conference, to which he was invited, together with other journalists, at the Old Railway Line offices of the APC on 25th June 2023, Journalists Ibrahim Alusine Kamara of the Salone Compass Newspaper, has consulted his lawyers, who have written to the Police Complaint Board requesting for an investigation on the matter and to bring the said officers to book.
See the letter from Lawyer Sengbe Marrah and Co. below:
MARRAH & ASSOCIATES
18th October 2023
The Chairperson
Independent Police Complaints Board Kingharman Road, Freetown.
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ASSAULT AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO IBRAHIM ALUSINE KAMARA BY SECURITY PERSONNEL
We have been consulted and our services are retained by Mr. Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (hereinafter referred to as “our client”). Our client informs us as follows:
that he is a journalist with the ‘Salone Compass Newspaper’ outfit situated at No.7G Fergusson Street, Freetown.
that on the 25th day of June 2023, his media outlet was invited to a press conference by the All-People’s Congress party (APC).
that while covering the press conference, security personnel stormed the APC conference and fired rounds of teargas canisters and live bullets, which caused him and other colleague journalists to seek safety in a nearby residence until calm was restored.
that our client immediately returned to his vehicle and noticed that the said vehicle (Toyota Highlander Vehicle numbered AIJ-446) had been seriously damaged during the shooting spree. Enclosed are photos of the said damaged vehicle for ease of reference.
that on his request, one of the security officers stationed at the scene permitted him to take his vehicle to a garage for repairs.
that enroute to a garage, he was halted by two military officers and an OSD officer, who aggressively demanded that he return the vehicle.
that despite his endeavour to comply, one of the officers hit him with the rear of his gun, while the other officer corked his gun attempting to shoot at him, save for the timely intervention of the Hon. Chernoh Bah, who cautioned the said officers.
that the incident caused him severe physical and psychological trauma which prompted him to seek medical help at Choithrams Hospital.
that he has expended about UDSD3000 to repair his vehicle and about USDI, OOO in medical expenses.
that by a letter dated 26th June 2023. he formally reported the incident to the Inspector General of Police for his intervention but has received no response to the date herein.
Given the matters aforesaid, we write on our client’s instructions to request an investigation into the conduct of the said Police officers under Regulation 3 Sub Regulation I(c) (d) & (h) of the Independent Police Complaints Board Regulations 2003. Our client is available to testify and present documentary evidence and witnesses to support his complaint.
We trust we will hear from you as soon as reasonably convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Marrah S Associates
cc:
l. Executive Secretary, Human Ri2ht Commission Sierra Leone
President, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists
File
PARTNERS: Augustine S. Marrah (LLM—Pretoria),
Saramba Kandeh (LLM—N0tre Dame) & Mariam Koroma (LLM—Notre Dame)
ASSOCIATES: Bob Josiah Reffell (LLB Hons),
Philip Fara Kargbo (LLB Hons),
Helena Lily Lutterodt (LLB Hons, LLM),
Henretta Kargbo (LLB Hons)
ADDRESS: 2nd 171, 35 Jones Street, Freetown. Tax i}: 1000203670 Tel: 076-497991
WEB: www.marrahandassociates.com Email: info@marrahandassociates.com
