Sierra Leone News: Rogers testifies against SLPP scribe

Politics

On 6 November 2017, the Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Lahai Lawrence Leema, was alleged to have physically assaulted, acted Also on the same date, he was alleged to have physically assaulted six staff of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) at the SLBC building in Freetown. The accused faces 11 charges ranging from assault, disorderly behaviour and trespassing by the Inspector General of Police, among others. On Tuesday 19 December 2017, Leema appeared before Magistrate Albert Moody of the Freetown Magistrate Court to answer to the above charges. Leema has been out on bail since early November 2017. Testifying in court, Franklyn Rogers said on the 6 November 2017 at around 8:30 a.m., he was at the SLBC studio doing an interview with Judith Beckley and Mahawa Alieu, the host of the show. He testified that while in the studio, the SLBC staff called Lahai Lawrence Leema to respond to comments made during the broadcast. “Leema was given the opportunity to do so through a phone call, which he accepted.” According to Rogers, Leema diverted the focus of the discussion and went ahead to attack President Koroma. He underscored, “If President Koroma wants to bring war into this country, we are ready for such war,” said Rogers. He maintained that the staff at SLBC cautioned Leema to stay on the line to continue the discussion. Rogers continued, “Because of the persistent attacks of Leema, the staff of SLBC decided to cut off the call with the promise of giving him the opportunity to respond at a time convenient to me.” Rogers testified, “A few minutes later, I saw Leema violently jetting into the studio. He walked directly towards me with an object in his hand. I was terrified and horrify.” He noted that Leema used abusive language and promised to attack him. Franklyn Rogers underscored that two male staff of the SLBC came into the studio and ordered Leema to leave. Rogers said instead of Leema leaving, he put up a physical confrontation with the staff. He added that the two ladies became panicked. A few minutes later they succeeded in getting Leema out of the studio. Rogers said upon leaving the studio, he went to the New England Ville Police Station and reported the matter. During cross-examination by defence counsel, Anthony Brewa, Rogers said he did not make any disparaging statements against the Presidential candidate of the SLPP, Julius Maada Bio. Magistrate Albert Moody adjourned the matter to 11 January 2018. MJB/19/12/17 By Mohamed J Bah Wednesday December 20, 2017.

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