FERNANDO MOLERES, SPAIN
SIERRA LEONE: MERCILESS JUSTICE
Within these walls, Spanish photographer Fernando Moleres learned of a non-existing jurisdiction and saw a deeply inhumane form of imprisonment: Central Prison, usually known as Pademba Road Prison, in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown. Although the prison is only built for 300 prisoners, it has more than 1,100 prisoners at present, many of whom are underage.
Teenagers like 16-year-old Lebbise*, sentenced without trial to three years in prison because he allegedly stole 100,000 Leones (25 Euros). 17-year-old Hilmani*, sentenced without trial because he allegedly stole his uncle’s scooter. 17-year-old Manyu*, sentenced without trial to three years in prison because he allegedly stole two sheep. He died in prison in spring 2010.
© Fernando Moleres/freelance photographer
Countless cases of unspeakable misery – that’s the life of those who are imprisoned here.
There are no beds, mattresses or sanitary facilities. No electricity and no water. Hardly any food. Their relatives often don’t know anything about the fate of the prisoners. Fernando Moleres took his pictures so that those who have been sentenced without trial would not be forgotten.
* name changed
Curriculum Vitae: Fernando Moleres
© Fernando Moleres
Born in Bilbao, Spain 1963.
I finished my university studies and during years i worked as nurse in my home village.
In 1992 I started a personal project “ Children at work” in which i have been working severals years in about 30 countries.
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