AG and MOJ accelerate access to justice within 30 days of assumption of office

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice wishes to inform the general public that between 4th of January and 4th February 2016, his office has filed 95 indictments and refiled 53 indictments. Of the 53 indictments refiled, 15% are for offences of a very serious nature and 27% are sexual and gender based violence related cases.

Noting the concerns of the public, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has undertaken several administrative measures to enhance the expedition of justice consistent with His Excellency the President’s vision to reform the justice sector through the acceleration of the justice delivery mechanism.

The filed indictments are expected to significantly impact the remand population of the Freetown Correctional Center. The increased level of indictments provides inmates the opportunity to have their day in court and get justice. It will also contribute to significantly address the perennial problem of overcrowding in our correctional centres; a key area of concern of his excellency the president, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma.

The Public is therefore encouraged to cooperate with the Director of Public Prosecutions Division of the Law Officers’ Department to ensure the speedy and effective trial of matters before the court.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice wishes to further emphasize to the public, that it is the Government’s urgent desire to restore public confidence and trust in the justice delivery system. To that end, Government will continue to take necessary measures to improve the performance and responsiveness of the Law Officers’ Department.

Signed: Martina M. Koroma, Solicitor-General

5th February 2016.

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