Sierra Leone President Declares Rape a National Emergency

From CNN:

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has declared rape and sexual violence a "national emergency," following a series of cases involving minors in the country.

Bio said those found guilty of raping minors could face life imprisonment and directed all public hospitals to provide free medical services for victims of sexual assault.

"As a nation, we must address this scourge. Sexual penetration of minors is punishable by life imprisonment," Bio said on Thursday while speaking at the State House in the capital, Freetown.

The announcement comes amid calls by activists and Sierra Leone's First Lady Fatima Bio for stricter punishment for perpetrators of sexual violence.

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