JFK Exposes Challenges Facing Inmates After Experiencing Life Behind Bars
Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has raised concerns over prison overcrowding and prolonged pretrial detention in Sierra Leone, revealing that the country’s correctional facilities hold more than 5,000 people despite having a combined capacity of just over 2,000.
Kamara made the remarks in an opinion piece titled “Lenses Behind Bars: A Prosecutor Becomes an Inmate,” reflecting on his experience spending almost a week at the Male Correctional Centre at Pademba Road following his recent detention. He said the experience gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by inmates, particularly those who remain in custody for years without trial.
According to Kamara, most people in Sierra Leone’s prisons are remand detainees awaiting trial, with many affected by delays in court hearings, limited access to legal representation and difficulties maintaining contact with their families. He argued that prolonged detention effectively punishes people before their guilt has been established.
Kamara noted that his brief detention was a privilege compared with the years endured by ordinary inmates who lack public influence and resources. Reflecting on his tenure as Attorney-General, he said his office secured the release of 500 people within his first 100 days, while collaboration with the Legal Aid Board helped address more than 1,500 cases and secure the release of hundreds more.
He warned that overcrowding and prolonged pretrial detention are not only humanitarian concerns but also raise serious questions about the administration of justice and public safety.
To address the situation, Kamara proposed regular statutory reviews of remand detention, documented court dates and timely bail decisions. He also called for better-resourced Legal Aid Board services, dedicated remand courts, improved case management, faster disclosure of evidence and greater use of alternatives to detention, including community service.
Kamara maintained that these reforms would not weaken the fight against crime but would tackle delays, illegality and neglect within the justice system. He concluded that the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system should be judged not by how it treats a former Attorney-General, but by how it treats ordinary inmates who have no influence, resources or voice to seek justice.
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