Presidential Aide in Disabled Row

Persons with Disability (PWD’s) residing at the St. Moses Parish African Orthodox Village at Waterloo have registered their protest against a presidential aide by the name of Mr. Thaimu at the Human Rights Commission office, OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The disabled claimed that they were beaten by thugs believed to have been hired by Mr. Thaimu. They said their camp was also vandalized and property worth millions of Leones looted. They said the thugs, who were reportedly seen trooping from Mr. Thaimu’s residence about 50 meters away from the Parish, wore masks to hide their identities.

They told AYV that the thugs arrived earlier in a government vehicle with registration number ABC 919.

AYV learnt that five of the disbaled sustained severe body injuries, and one Madam Thomas wasreportedly hospitalized. They said the thugs claimed they were sent by Mr. Thaimu, who works as a personal aide to His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Spokesman of the group, John Miana, who also doubles as Chairman, said they decided to come the Human Rights office to render their disappointment at the way and manner they were treated by the law enforcement bodies after their rights have been violated by Mr. Thaimu and his thugs.

He explained that since December 31st 2011, when their houses and their property were destroyed by thugs sent by Mr. Thaimu, they have done all they could to ensure that they get justice from the law enforcement authorities but nothing had been done. They said they reported the matter at the Waterloo Police Station and it was later charged to the Waterloo Magistrate court but nothing has happened except adjournment after adjournment.

“It’s now about eight months since the case was called up at the courts,” said Miana.

The disabled protesters called on the Commission to come to their aid as they were going through hell because of the injustice. However, Miana said if their cries are not heard.