The Court of Appeal, has on Thursday 20th August 2020 directed counsels for appellant Alfred Palo Conteh to tender a written submission to them within two weeks, including all of their authorities and case law on the appeal. The matter is being presided over by Justice Bintu Alhadi, Justice Tonia Barnett and Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay as Presiding Judge.
The justices noted that after the counsels for the appellant have filed their submission and served the respondent, within two weeks the respondent counsel would do the same. Prior to such practice directive by the court, one of the counsels for the appellant applicant, lawyer Wara Serry-Kamal, informed the court that the document they received on the treason trial at the High Court based on Court of Appeal orders is incomplete.
She said they received the exhibit and the judge’s note, adding that they want the transcript of the audio recording of the court proceeding, which is more detailed and comprehensive. Meanwhile, appellant Alfred Palo Conteh was absent in court for the second time, which Presiding Judge Justice Sesay blamed on lack of communication with the relevant authorities.
The judges also ordered the Prisons Director to ensure Conteh’s two lawyers see him at any time. Justice Sesay informed counsel for the appellant to write a follow-up letter on the High Court records they requested, and adjourned the matter to 13th October 2020 for their oral submissions.
By Mohamed J. Bah