Ady Macauley, one of the lawyers representing former President Ernest Bai Koroma has expressed shock following a court’s conviction of 11 individuals on charges of treason related to an alleged coup attempt last November.
The court sentenced the convicted individuals to lengthy prison terms.
Lawyer Ady Macauley, who represents two of the accused, Emmanuel Salifu Kamara and Inspector Ibrahim Sesay whom are bodyguards of former President Koroma, questioned the validity of the evidence presented during the trial.
SGT. 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara (3rd Convict) got 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 40 years for count 7. ASP Ibrahim Sesay (9th Convict) got 40 years for count 15, 4 years for count 16.
Macauley told VOA’s James Butty that the verdict does not align with the evidence, particularly disputing claims that Kamara was in communication with the alleged plotters on the day of the coup attempt.
“The evidence, specifically the telephone logs presented in court, indicates that Kamara did not speak with the alleged assailants on the day of the attack, November 26, 2023,” Macauley stated.
He emphasized that the calls between Kamara and the individuals mentioned were routine, occurring about a month before the incident and were typical of colleagues communicating.
These individuals were charged with treason and other serious offenses linked to an alleged coup attempt on November 26, 2023. Authorities have described the plot as a significant threat to national stability.