Fayia Amara Fayia is a student of the Law Department at Fourah Bay College, who on the 1st of April, was beaten by some military men in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone. Testimonies and photographs gathered indicate the systematic nature and the gravity of torture and the ill-treatment meted against the person of Mr. Fayia. Such an act by our security officers deeply contravenes the constitution of this country, thus, our security personnel must always ensure that they respect the fundamental human rights of every individual living within our jurisdiction.
After the display of such an awful jungle justice by some of our unscrupulous military personnel, they also took upon themselves to unlawfully detain Fayia. He has been held under detention for more than a week now, by those who think they can just muscle the due process of the law.
We wish to abundantly make it known that, the violence perpetrated against Fayia Amara Fayia totally undermines the principles of human rights and democratic good governance. It should be noted that the unlawful beaten and detention of our fellow student violates his right to liberty as a citizen of this country.
It is evidently clear that, detention conditions vary across detention facilities, in most cases, they fall far short of the required human rights standards for the treatment of detainees. So, such abysmal detention conditions in itself amount to torture and other inhuman treatment.
Therefore, as a responsible Students’ Union Government, we want to urge the authorities concern to expedite the release of Mr. Fayia in the shortest possible time and by conducting a full, impartial and independent investigation which will delve into all allegations of the unlawful torture and detention against Fayia with a view to bringing those responsible to face justice. We must collectively work together as a nation to prevent fellow citizens from being subjected to such an act or intimidation.
This nation can only continue to be a decent place, if we can uphold the values and principles of the rule of law, human rights, social justice and democracy.
Again, let’s continue to observe all the precautionary measures needed in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
SIGNED:
MOHAMED MARIAMA SHAW
SECRETARY GENERAL
SUG – FBC
