James F. Kissei, a netizen. has on X reacted to post made by APC Presidential flagbearer aspirant Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara on the Chief Justice’s new drug directives.
Kissei wrote, “If you are one of them please be warned,”
Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara had earlier raised serious concerns about the directives issued by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, which introduce tougher measures for handling drug-related offences in Sierra Leone. He warned that some parts of the directive could undermine legal rights and go against established law.
According to Mr. Kamara, the decision to deny bail completely for drug offences violates the principle of presumption of innocence. He said, “The Chief Justice’s new drug abuse directives risk eroding the presumption of innocence. Absolute bail refusal contradicts law and risks misuse.”
Abubakarr, Another concerned Sierra Leonean through an interview said “Desperate times require desperate measures. We are in a state of emergency and so strong measures should be taken immediately to stop the drugs crisis.”
He also noted that modifying sentencing terms without Parliament is a major legal concern. “Amending the term of years in sentencing is a substantive change in law which requires legislative action, not judicial intervention,” he added.
The statement drew wide attention online, with medical students, youth activists, and professional development practitioners joining the discussion.
Some Sierra Leoneans believe the new rules are necessary due to the rise in drug misuse, especially among young people. Others say the judiciary must ensure that new measures do not violate citizens’ rights or bypass proper law-making procedures.
The Judiciary has not yet responded to the concerns raised, but more explanations are expected as public discussion continues.
