CHRDI Prison Report: 20 Deaths, Over 1,000 Inmates Awaiting Trial
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has reported 20 deaths among inmates in Sierra Leone’s correctional facilities and hospitals, raising concerns over overcrowding, delayed trials and inadequate healthcare.
The figures followed a monitoring mission conducted at Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre and New England Female Correctional Centre on 14 October 2026. According to CHRDI, 13 deaths occurred inside correctional facilities, while seven occurred in hospitals.
At Pademba Road, the organisation reported approximately 2,015 inmates against an original capacity of 314, with more than 1,000 detainees awaiting trial. It also identified 108 cases allegedly stalled since 2016 and 172 remand detainees reportedly awaiting committal proceedings since 2020.
CHRDI Chief Executive Abdul M. Fatoma stressed that detention does not remove inmates’ fundamental rights. The organisation also reported that 18 inmates with active tuberculosis were being held without clinical isolation, 48 inmates were living with HIV, and 19 people with psychosocial or cognitive disabilities were detained without what it considered necessary psychiatric certification or care.
At the New England Female Correctional Centre, CHRDI identified discrepancies between official records and its physical count of detainees. It also raised concerns about seven nursing infants and toddlers at the facility, including three reportedly born in custody.
The organisation further reported that 25 people were imprisoned over unpaid minor fines. In one case, a woman who had completed her sentence was reportedly facing continued detention because she could not pay an outstanding fine of Le15,000.
Fatoma called for urgent government intervention, describing the reported conditions as serious concerns under domestic and international law.
CHRDI is urging authorities to conduct an independent audit of correctional facilities, expedite delayed court cases, review detention for minor offences and unpaid fines, and improve healthcare services. It also called for better tuberculosis management, support for inmates living with HIV and mental health needs, improved ambulance services and stronger staff welfare measures.
Comments