By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a fervent plea to bolster the nation’s fight against corruption, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally Esq., a Prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), emphasized the critical role of proportionate punishment in deterring corrupt practices. He underscored concerns over minimal penalties imposed in anti-corruption convictions, pointing to their potential to undermine the efficacy of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption campaign.
Addressing the issue from both a deterrence perspective and the broader impact on societal behavior, Deen-Tarawally stressed the necessity of aligning judicial sentencing with the gravity of corruption offenses. He highlighted the intricate interplay between human behavior, societal norms and the legal framework, emphasizing the need for penalties potent enough to deter corruption effectively.
From an economic standpoint, the prosecutor elucidated on the staggering costs corruption inflicts upon society. Drawing parallels between corruption and societal harm, he articulated how corruption siphons resources, exacerbates inequality and impedes national development. He emphasized the imperative of judicial synergy in aligning penalties with the social cost of corruption to mitigate its pervasive impact.
He referenced legislative efforts to fortify anti-corruption laws, including the enactment of tougher penalties under the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2019. However, he lamented instances where minimal fines or lenient sentences failed to reflect the gravity of corruption offenses.
In a bid to galvanize judicial resolve, Prosecutor Deen-Tarawally appealed to the Judiciary, urging Judges to consider the broader societal ramifications of corruption and impose penalties commensurate with the offense. He reiterated Parliament’s call for tougher penalties, emphasizing the Judiciary’s pivotal role in translating legislative intent into tangible action against corruption.
Amid Sierra Leone’s strides in combating corruption, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally’s impassioned plea serves as a clarion call for a unified front against graft, underscoring the imperative of robust penalties to safeguard national integrity and foster a culture of accountability.
