Legal Friction Erupts in Treason Trial: Lawyer JFK Deems Attorney General’s Statements Irrelevant

In a dramatic turn of events during the ongoing treason trial of former president Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), representing the accused, declared in open court that the statements made by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie, were irrelevant.

The courtroom clash unfolded when Attorney General Tarawalie asserted before Magistrate Santigie Bangura that a press statement released by Lansana Dumbuya, the Secretary General of the main opposition APC party on 11th January 2024, was inciteful. Tarawalie urged all practitioners to show respect to the court and expressed concern about comments suggesting a government-led witch hunt.

The Attorney General clarified that the prosecution was not asserting the guilt of the accused but emphasized that the court had the authority to rule on the matter. He outlined the charges against Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring.

Tarawalie also criticized lead counsel JFK for discussing the charges against his client in a televised interview, hinting at potential contempt of court. In response, JFK defended the right to free speech, stating, “This is a free country, and we are free to speak on the facts about what the law says.” He asserted that the Attorney General’s comments on the APC Secretary General were irrelevant, as neither he nor the party was before the court.

JFK argued against the state building its case from the statements of their client and warned against restricting discussions about the case. He insisted on an opportunity for the defense to present its case to the public, similar to the press releases issued by the prosecution.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of witness statements from the prosecution, JFK announced plans to serve notice for the state to bring evidence and share witness statements. Attorney General Tarawalie responded, stating that the public could discuss the matter but cautioned against delving into the evidence, threatening an application for contempt of court.

In a moment of tension, the Attorney General audibly expressed his frustration in court. Magistrate Santigie Bangura intervened, stating that while the public had the right to discuss the matter, they should refrain from delving too deeply into the evidence to avoid contempt of court. He reminded the media and the public about the powers conferred by section 120 of the Public Order Act, which empowers the high court to charge individuals with contempt.

Magistrate Bangura urged restraint in discussing the specifics of the charges, emphasizing the potential prejudice it could bring to the legal process. He warned that those giving opinions on the matter could face charges of contempt.

The former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, is currently under preliminary investigation, facing four charges, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring. The legal teams involved include Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie, Robert Kowa, Osman I Kanu, A. G. M Bockarie, and A. V Koroma representing the state, while JFK leads the defense team, consisting of Amadu Koroma, Musa Kamara, Brima Koroma, Samuel Bangura, Osman Kamara, Maddieu Sesay, Umaru Turay, and Alimamy Sesay. The trial is set to continue, with tensions escalating both inside and outside the courtroom.