Hundreds protest over defilement of a 5-year-old girl
Police in Sierra Leone briefly detained some people after they took to the streets in Freetown on Monday, June 22, 2020, to protest against the defilement of a five-year-old girl who died of her injuries.
The protesters called for justice and and an end to sexual and gender based violence.
The post-mortem report indicated that she had been defiled multiple times and died on June 17.
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Police say the main suspect, who is said to be the girl’s relative, and a suspected accomplice have been detained as authorities continue their investigation.
Protesters said they fear the case could end up unresolved like many others in the past, due to socio-cultural factors and the lack of capacity to properly investigate and prosecute defilement and rape cases.
News of the death of Khadija broke at the weekend after a copy of her post-mortem report was leaked on social media.
Sierra Leoneans took to social media to express outrage over the incident.
A leading child rights campaign group, Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), said the defilement was a violation of the country's child protection laws.
“We urge the Sierra Leone police to fully investigate the matter and charge in court all the perpetrators to face justice,” it said in a statement.
First Lady, Fatima Bio, who is a well-known campaigner against sexual and gender-based violence, said she would wage war against the perpetrator.
She posted on her Facebook page that she and her husband, President Julius Maada
Bio, were shocked about the case and would fight to ensure justice for the girl and her family.
Protesters on Monday said sexual and gender-based violence has always been prevalent in the country, but only gains public attention when a major incident occured.
Last year, it made news when a five-year-old girl was defiled by her uncle and hospitalised for months. She is now paralysed.
This case led to President Bio declaring a state of emergency and, subsequently, the country's sexual offences laws were amended.
The protesters on Monday sought audience with the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police, both of whom promised to act and ensure justice is served.