The issue of impunity and violation of people’s rights by Joint Presidential Guard or security personal attached to MDAs over the years has become a serious concern in the country.
It can be recalled that the Ministry received the report from the Investigations Committee instituted by the government to look into the alleged beating of the victims during the Sierra Leone and Liberia football encounter in Freetown.
Mr. Swaray added that they find the investigation and report very useful as a government, citing that they regret the incident as a government.
“We regret it and we wish that it had never happened. These are citizens that went to support their country in their various capacities,” Mr. Swaray stated.
Even though the government has tried to address some of the recommendations by the Committee, it is however, evident that the perpetrators will not publicly apologize as recommended by the Committee.
Mr. Swaray further disclosed that the report stated that the perpetrator was just one personnel of the Presidential Joint Guard and not some of the personnel as reported by many individuals.
The report according to Mr. Swaray is now a public document and that they have reacted on it, citing that the accused person has been removed from the Presidential Guard as recommended by the Committee.
He further said that the state will facilitate and finance the medical attention needed by the female journalists and the other identified victims; which can only be predicated on a certified medical report.
He noted that in spite of all reservations, the government will pay all claims for damages incurred by victims as contained in the report.