In a recent court proceeding at Ross Road Magistrate’s Court No.3 on September 14th, 2023, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh ordered the remand of 43 individuals at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre.
The accused are facing multiple charges, including Unlawful Procession, Riotous Conduct, and Disorderly Behavior, among others.
The accused were brought before the court to answer to five charges, which encompassed Conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, Unlawful Possession, Riotous Conduct, and Disorderly Behavior, as per specific sections of the Public Order Act.
These charges originate from alleged events on September 11th, 2023, in the eastern part of the Freetown Judicial District within the Western Rural area of Sierra Leone.
The prosecution alleges that the 43 accused individuals, in collaboration with unidentified accomplices, engaged in an Unlawful Procession without the necessary legal authorization.
The prosecution was led by DSP E.A. Deen, while the accused were represented by a legal team consisting of M.Baratey, L.J Kamara, M.W.Jalloh, A.Turay, A.B Kamara, A.Kamara, and M.Y Kallon.
Despite the defense’s efforts, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh denied bail to the accused and scheduled the case for further proceedings on September 21st, 2023.
This decision has ignited debates surrounding public order and the right to protest in Sierra Leone.
