By Mabinty Kamara and Francis Murray
Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards has ordered for the reopening of courts on Monday, two weeks after he called off all hearings amidst fears of the spread of COVID-19 through the courts and the penal system.
The reopening order was announced this week by the Chief Justice after an appeal by President Julius Maada Bio last week for the judiciary to reopen courts and in order to fats track trial of accused persons involved in violent incidences across the country.
“I am aware that the courts are closed because of the COVID-19. But given the prevailing circumstance, I will appeal to the Chief Justice to consider appropriate measures to adjudicate the cases that emerge from this widespread insecurity,” Bio said in his latest address to the nation.
Despite the order from the Chief Justice, Public Relations Officer of the Judiciary, Moses Lamin Kamara, told Politico that only High Courts will be opened.
“Generally, we’re looking at all criminal cases because it’s a criminal session. And the opening of courts on the 18th will not look at any civil matter and no magistrate court will be opened, only high courts,” he said.
He added: “Bail would be granted to any accused person who deserves or meets the bail condition. We don’t have any specific cases we’re looking at, all criminal cases will be looked at at high court level.”
Court cases in Bo, Kenema, Kono, Makeni and Freetown will all resume on Monday, according to the Judiciary.
The high profile treason trial of opposition politician, Major (Rtd) Alfred Paolo Conteh will not be called as part of this criminal session, according to the statement from the judiciary.
“The Special Criminal sessions which hitherto should have commenced on the 8th of May 2020 and later postponed to 28th of May 2020 is hereby abandoned and/cancelled,” it said.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
