Pujehun Correctional Center Grants Freedom to 26 Inmates through Presidential Pardon

On the momentous occasion of January 1st, 2024, the Pujehun Correctional Center witnessed a transformative event as twenty-six male prisoners were released through a Presidential Pardon. The release ceremony was orchestrated under the supervision of ASP Patricia Lombeh Kobba, the Support Officer of the Pujehun Police Division, and her dedicated team.

In a poignant message during the ceremony, ASP Patricia Lombeh Kobba urged the former inmates to embrace the positive changes they experienced during their incarceration. She stressed the importance of seamlessly reintegrating into society as reformed individuals and cautioned against engaging in detrimental activities, emphasizing the need for a fresh start.

Augustine Songu, the Manager of the Pujehun Correctional Center, expressed gratitude to the police and various stakeholders present at the event. He shed light on the meticulous process involved in selecting individuals for release, emphasizing that recommendations were based on both criminal records and exemplary behavior exhibited while serving their sentences. All twenty-six individuals recommended by the Pujehun Division received approval, providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives beyond the confines of the prison.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Crime Officer, Operations Officer, O/C OSD of the Pujehun Police Division, representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), officials from the Office of National Security (ONS), members of the media, and the Chairman of the Drivers Union.

The release of these individuals marks a hopeful new chapter, prompting anticipation for their successful reintegration into society as law-abiding citizens. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader national effort, as a total of 76 inmates were released from the Southern Region, including thirty-eight from the Bo Correctional Center, seven from the Mattru Jong Correctional Center, five from Bonthe, and 26 from the Pujehun Correctional Center.

President Julius Maada Bio granted clemency to a total of 352 inmates nationwide, showcasing a commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Of the 352 individuals, eleven are females, and 341 are males, highlighting the inclusivity of this compassionate gesture.

This Presidential Pardon reflects a step towards a more rehabilitative justice system, emphasizing the importance of second chances and the potential for positive transformation within the correctional system.