By Sahr Eric George
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The presiding judge in the treason trial, Justice Komba Kamanda has ordered the state to provide lawyers to defend all the accused persons.
Justice Kamanda issued this order following the massive absenteeism of the defence lawyers representing the twelve accused persons on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The judge informed the court that progress was only achieved in Monday’s proceeding after both the prosecution and defence lawyers agreed to proceed with the matter to ensure an expeditious trial owing to the fact that the twelve accused are standing trial for very serious offences.
Justice Kamanda furthered that he would not allow the defence team to control the pace of the trial, adding that the action of the defence team was very contemptuous as none of them were present in court at the time the proceedings resumed.
He stated that he would not hear them on any civil matter because their actions were completely contemptuous especially when the accused persons were in custody.
“Only Sigismund A. Conteh representing Amadu Koita Makalo the first accused informed this court about his absence,” Justice Kamanda revealed.
The judge complained that the defence lawyers with the exception of Conteh, did not send any excuse as to why they were not in court.
“I therefore see their actions as blatant disrespect to this court,” he said.
He added that the matter was adjourned not at the convenience of lawyers, but the court.
“With such behaviour, I urge the state to produce counsels for all accused persons if the previous counsels fail to appear in court today at 1:30 pm,” Justice Kamanda fumed.
State prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay told the court that they were surprised at the absence or lateness of their colleagues and that none of the defence lawyers were in court to represent their clients as they had agreed to proceed with the matter on Monday, May 13, 2024.
“We are aware that S. A. Conteh is out of the jurisdiction, and he will not be present for today’s proceeding,” Sesay said.
He added that based on records there are other counsels defending Conteh’s client Koita. He however intimated to the court that the thirtieth prosecution witness, Inspector Mohamed Jusu was in court ready to continue with his testimony, but the defence lawyers were not present.
Meanwhile, the twelve accused individuals were represented by Sigimond A. Conteh, Musa Pious Sesay, Africanus Sesay, Ady Macaulay, Hassan Kamara, Brima Koroma, F. Mansaray among others all of which were not in court by time the judge gave the order.
Progress was however reached when some of the defence lawyers rushed in and had a conversation with the state lawyers to continue with the trial. SEG/15/5/2024