By Aminata Phidelia Allie
Defence and prosecution objections and applications for one reason or another have stalled the start of the mutiny trial of 14 soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
For the last three weeks defence lawyers hired by the state had been absent on grounds of non-payment of fees. When they finally showed up yesterday, 5 May, amid expectations that evidence would be led, the matter was adjourned again as the prosecution’s witnesses were absent.
State prosecutor, Gerald Joseph Soyei told the military court presided over by Judge Advocate Otto During, that two of his witnesses, whom he said had been going to court all through the defence lawyers’ absence, could not make it to court because “they are resident way in Makeni”. He asked for an adjournment to 7 Wednesday, 2014, promising to make sure they would be present.
His application was granted.
Judge Advocate During expressed disappointment at the continuous delay of the matter and hoped it would start on the next adjourned date of 7 May.
Last week, a private defence lawyer, representing the 14th accused, Capt. Prince Sesay, had demanded that the government provide legal aid for the accused persons because “it is their right as provided for in the Legal Aid Act”, noting that it was the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure they were represented so as to prevent denial of justice through delay.
The 14 soldiers were arrested at Teko Barracks in Makeni in August last year where they allegedly plotted the mutiny.
They have been at the Pademba Road Prisons since.
(C) Politico 06/05/14
