Night Watch Newspaper

SLAM-Global Demands Probe Into Alleged Brutality By State Security

Emmanuel Christian Thorli

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah, Director General SLAM-GLOBAL

The Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement–Global (SLAM-Global) has called for an immediate, independent investigation into a widely circulated social media video allegedly showing civilians being brutally assaulted by individuals believed to be members of the country’s security forces.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, the organization expressed deep concern over the footage, describing it as disturbing and warning that if authenticated, the incident would represent a serious violation of the Constitution, the rule of law and the fundamental rights of Sierra Leonean citizens.

SLAM-Global stressed that while the authenticity of the video and the identities of those involved must be independently verified, the allegations are grave enough to warrant an urgent, transparent, and impartial inquiry.

The organization stated that no member of the security forces or public official has the legal or moral authority to administer punishment outside the judicial process, emphasizing that justice must be delivered through the courts rather than through violence.

According to the statement, allegations of excessive force, political intimidation, economic hardship, and concerns about democratic governance have weakened public confidence in state institutions over the years. The group argued that any credible allegation of unlawful violence by state actors further undermines national unity and trust in public institutions.

SLAM-Global outlined several recommendations, including an independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident, preservation of all available evidence, prosecution of anyone found responsible regardless of rank, protection of victims and witnesses from intimidation, and renewed commitment to constitutional governance, due process, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The organization also acknowledged the professionalism and sacrifices of law-abiding members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that accountability strengthens rather than weakens national institutions.

Appealing to the public, SLAM-Global urged Sierra Leoneans to maintain faith in justice and the rule of law, insisting that every citizen deserves dignity, security, and equal protection under the Constitution.

The statement concluded with a call for truth, justice, accountability, and national renewal, arguing that the incident should serve as a turning point in strengthening respect for human rights and democratic governance in Sierra Leone. The document was signed by Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah, Director-General of SLAM-Global, and copied to the Presidency, Parliament, national security institutions, regional organizations, international partners, diplomatic missions, civil society groups, and international media organizations.

See Press Release below

July 01, 2026

PRESS STATEMENT

NO CITIZEN SHOULD BE BEATEN INTO SILENCE: SIERRA LEONE DESERVES JUSTICE, NOT BRUTALITY

The Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement–Global (SLAM-GLOBAL) expresses profound alarm over a disturbing video circulating on social media that appears to show civilians being subjected to a brutal beating by individuals alleged to be members of the security forces. While the authenticity of the video and the identities of those involved must be independently verified, the footage is deeply troubling and demands an urgent, impartial, and transparent investigation.

If this video is genuine, it is not merely an assault on two individuals—it is an assault on the Constitution of Sierra Leone, the rule of law, and the dignity of every Sierra Leonean.

No government, no soldier, no police officer, and no public official has the legal or moral authority to replace the courts with sticks, boots, or bullets. Justice belongs in the courtroom—not in the streets.

For far too long, Sierra Leoneans have witnessed a painful pattern in which allegations of excessive force, political intimidation, economic hardship, and unresolved questions surrounding democratic governance have steadily eroded public confidence. Families struggle under crushing poverty. Young people search desperately for jobs. Citizens continue to seek greater transparency and accountability in public affairs. Against this backdrop, any credible allegation of unlawful violence by state actors deepens national wounds rather than healing them.

A nation cannot build peace while fear walks its streets.

A nation cannot demand respect for the law while ignoring allegations that the law has been violated by those entrusted to uphold it.

A nation cannot ask its people to trust institutions that fail to protect the weak from the powerful.

The greatness of a democracy is not measured by how it treats the influential. It is measured by how it treats the powerless, the accused, the poor, and those who have no voice.

SLAM-GLOBAL therefore calls for:

This moment must become more than another viral video. It must become a turning point.

To the soldiers and security officers who faithfully serve Sierra Leone with professionalism and honor, we acknowledge your sacrifice and your duty to protect our nation. Upholding the law strengthens your institution; unlawful violence diminishes it.

To the people of Sierra Leone, never lose faith in the enduring power of truth. Justice delayed must never become abandoned. Every citizen deserves dignity. Every family deserves security. Every child deserves to grow up believing that the law protects rather than persecutes.

History will not remember how loudly governments defended themselves. It will remember how faithfully they defended their people.

Our Sierra Leone is stronger than fear. Our Constitution is stronger than violence.

Our future must be stronger than injustice. Truth. Justice. Accountability. National Renewal.

P.S. We invite you to explore our recently published analysis in a book, “Building a Nation: Good Governance and Democratic Principles in Sierra Leone.” As we unite for change in 2026, this resource provides valuable insights for activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens committed to Sierra Leone’s transformation. Find it here: link.

Signed,

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah

DIRECTOR-GENERAL

CC: Office of the President of Sierra Leone

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