Amnesty International Trains CSOs on Criminal Procedure Act 2024, Human Rights Laws

Amnesty International Sierra Leone has concluded a three-day Specialized Training-of-Trainers workshop for civil society organizations (CSOs), Amnesty International staff and members, child rights advocates, and human rights defenders on the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and other key human rights laws.
The workshop aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of Sierra Leone’s evolving legal and human rights framework, with sessions focusing on the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, the National Security and Central Intelligence Act 2026, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022 and its Regulations.
During his presentation, former Chief Justice Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke explained that the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 replaces legislation that had been in force for nearly six decades, describing the reform as a necessary step toward modernizing Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system.
He said the new law goes beyond merely amending the previous legislation by incorporating contemporary legal principles, technological advancements, and stronger safeguards for both victims of crime and persons accused of offences.
“The previous Act was over 60 years old. Society has changed, technology has advanced, and the criminal justice system needed a modern legal framework that reflects these realities,” Justice Browne-Marke said.
He noted that the Act introduces several important protections, including provisions that uphold the rights of victims while ensuring fair treatment for accused persons. Among the reforms, he highlighted the right of suspects in sexual offence cases to request medical examinations that may help confirm or disprove allegations against them.
Justice Browne-Marke also addressed ongoing public debate surrounding the Attorney-General’s constitutional authority to discontinue criminal proceedings through the entry of a nolle prosequi. He clarified that Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 preserves powers that previously existed under the 1965 legislation, allowing the Attorney-General to discontinue prosecutions initiated by the State.
He emphasized that such an action results in a discharge rather than an acquittal, meaning it does not prevent the State from instituting fresh proceedings if it decides to revive the case.
According to him, these prosecutorial powers are rooted in constitutional and common law principles inherited from the English legal system and remain an integral part of Sierra Leone’s justice framework.
Titus Tamba Sorie, Child Rights Advocate at Defence for Children International Sierra Leone (DCI-SL), said the sessions had significantly enhanced participants’ understanding of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and its practical application.
He explained that the Act strengthens legal protections for both victims and accused persons while promoting fairness and due process throughout the criminal justice system.
Sorie said his organization intends to use the knowledge acquired during the training to intensify monitoring of police stations, Family Support Units (FSUs), courts, and detention facilities to ensure justice sector institutions comply with the provisions of the new law.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that what the law provides is actually implemented, particularly regarding arrests, bail, speedy investigations and fair trial procedures,” he said.
He added that the organization will continue supporting child victims, juvenile offenders and their families while holding justice sector actors accountable for respecting due process and the rule of law.
Jalajan Amara Jakema, Acting Executive Director of AdvocAid and an Amnesty International volunteer, said the workshop had met her expectations by strengthening participants’ legal knowledge and advocacy skills.
She noted that bringing together civil society organizations fosters a common understanding of the law, enabling advocates to speak with one voice in promoting justice and protecting human rights.
Jakema emphasized that effective advocacy requires collaboration among organizations and pledged to work closely with fellow participants and development partners to ensure the effective implementation of the new legal framework.
The three-day workshop seeks to equip civil society actors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the implementation of Sierra Leone’s updated justice and human rights laws while promoting access to justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights across the country’s criminal justice system.