By Saio Marrah
The Consortium for Good Governance, Human Rights and Democracy (CGHRD), a rights based-entity that is focused on the promotion of democratic accountability, good governance and socio-economic justice, has pleaded to the presiding judge to grant bail to Mohamed Kamaraimba Mansaray, Leader and Chairman of one of the opposition parties, Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), who is on trial for alleged sexual penetration of a minor.
A press statement by the consortium dated Tuesday 3rd August, 2021, acknowledged the case as “sub judice”, which means it cannot be discussed out of court, but however called on the presiding judge to use his discretion within the law, to grant Mansaray bail, due to his medical status. “Given his [Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray] precarious and deteriorating health status, CGHRD humbly appeals to the good conscience of the honourable judge presiding over the matter under trial to use his discretion judiciously and grant Mr. Mansaray bail,” the statement reads.
This according to the consortium is because it is in possession of a certified independent medical report by competent medical practitioners, suggesting that Kamarainba’s health status is getting worse as days go by.
CGHRD noted that while he is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of jurisdiction, the consortium expressed concern over the prolonged trial and detention of Mansaray for over a year, without bail being granted or verdict delivered.
The consortium also pointed out that granting Kamarainba bail does not suggest that the case at hand has been closed, but will rather go a long way to strengthen and enhance public confidence and trust in judicial independence.
CGHRD emphasized the need for the judicial system to always uphold, maintain, defend and promote the ideals of free and fair trial, irrespective of the socio-economic and political status of one and all.
Mansaray was in April 2020 charged for the alleged sexual penetration of a then 15 year- old school girl in Kono, Eastern Sierra Leone. Judge Samuel O. Taylor is presiding over the matter at the Sexual Offences Model Court in Freetown.
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