Freetown, 11th September 2026 – The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has strongly condemned the circulation of graphic images of Dr. Adrian Hanciles, following confirmation of his death after he went missing on September 3, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Association expressed outrage over the publication and widespread sharing of photographs of Dr. Hanciles’ deceased body on social media and through some media outlets. The SLMDA described the act as “unethical, deeply disrespectful and a serious affront to the dignity of the deceased and the privacy and wellbeing of his grieving family.”
Dr. Hanciles, a respected medical practitioner, was reported missing earlier this month. On September 9, the SLMDA circulated a missing‑person notice. Later that day, disturbing images of his body began to spread online, compounding the grief of his family and colleagues.
The Association emphasized that Dr. Hanciles’ life and service to Sierra Leone should be remembered with dignity and respect, not through the circulation of graphic content.
The SLMDA has called on the Sierra Leone Police to take legal action against those responsible for the unauthorized capture, publication and dissemination of the images. It also urged media houses, journalists and social media platforms to immediately cease publishing or reproducing the photographs and to uphold professional and ethical standards.
Citizens were further advised not to share, repost or forward the images, with the Association stressing that “every further circulation compounds the distress of Dr. Hanciles’ family and undermines the dignity of the deceased.”
The Association also appealed to individuals who have already published or shared the images to remove them immediately and respect the wishes of the bereaved family.
While acknowledging the public’s legitimate interest in information surrounding Dr. Hanciles’ death, the SLMDA insisted there is “no justification for the unnecessary display or circulation of graphic images of his deceased body.”
The Association reaffirmed its solidarity with Dr. Hanciles’ family, friends, colleagues and the wider medical community during what it described as a deeply distressing time.
