Fernando Moleres lives in Barcelona, Spain. He is a self-taught freelance photographer. His work has taken him to more than 30 countries around the world. Focusing on social issues, including the plight of refugees from Kurdistan, Sahara and Rwanda and juvenile African prisons, he has received many photography awards worldwide.
This photograph was taken in Freetown, Sierra Leone at Pademba Road Prison. Over 30 juveniles are serving sentences there, contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone, instead of being placed in remand homes or approved schools. The prison was built to hold 300 prisoners but now has over 1,000 prisoners. Many of them suffer violence and sexual exploitation.
The Allard Prize Photography Competition jury selected this photograph for its reflection of the need to ensure the transparency and openness of the criminal justice system. It serves as a reminder of the human rights violations that can flow from an unjust prison system.