A human rights organization in Sierra Leone AdvocAid has called for accountability and an end to violence against women and girls by law enforcement officials.

This comes as the trial of a police officer who has been accused of raping a woman at a police station commences.

According to AdvocAid, the police disciplinary hearing found that the police officer was guilty of five counts of charges.

Various disciplinary actions were recommended, such as dismissal from the police force.

The rights organization is concerned about the possibility of tampering with the trial since the police officer charged with rape has been released on bail.

AdvocAid is therefore calling for a thorough investigation into this issue by the government and a commitment to enact various reforms such as the Domestication of the United Nations rules for the treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders.

Juliet Mamawa Kaikai is Advocaid’s, Legal Manager.