By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
Magistrate Binneh Kamara of Ross Road Court No. 1 has sent 15 persons to prison accused of participating in a public meeting.
Information contained on the charge sheet alleges that the accused “on Saturday 29 November, 2014 at Wellington participated in a public meeting not related to Ebola sensitization, contrary to Regulation 15 of the Public Emergency Regulation 2014.”
The nine men and six women pleaded guilty to the charge.
Their defence lawyer, Junior Cole, pleaded with the magistrate to caution and discharge all accused persons, stating that that was the first time they had appeared before the court.
“Most of these offenders are dependants and first-time offenders,” Cole pleaded.
Magistrate Binneh alternatively sentenced the accused to pay Le 650,000 each, but none could pay the fine.
“I considered the economic situation of the accused persons before handing down the sentence,” said Magistrate Kamara.
© Politico 02/12/14
