MPs and CSOs Appeal for Bail
Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament have continued their appeal for their colleague MP Emmanuel Saidu Conteh of Constituency 129 to be granted bail. This follows his arrest and detention on alleged shipping of arms and ammunition into the country, a claim he has strongly denied.
Using Standing Order 23 of parliamentary rules of procedure, the Leader of the Opposition, Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah pleaded with the Presiding Speaker of Parliament, Sengepoh Solomon Thomas to intervene for the dignity of Parliament.
“Without prejudice or interference to the process, we appeal for bail to be granted to Hon. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh, pending investigation by CID on an alleged matter involving arms and ammunition, for which he has been detained seven days ago”. Hon Chernor Bah noted.
The Leader of National Grand Coalition (NGC), Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella shared similar sentiments in light of solidarity and after visiting Hon Emmanuel Saidu Conteh at the CID. as they have done so before for another MP.
Recalling his recent contributions in Parliament, the Leader of Government Business supported the call and joined the appeal for Hon. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh to be granted bail as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile a group on civil society organisations known as Civil Society Alternative Network (CSAN SL) has accused the Sierra Leone Police of trampling on the immunities of Members of Parliament with impunity.
In a press statement the Network raised concern over the trend of arrest and detention of Members of Parliament after their immunity had been removed by the Speaker, which the Network deems as a violation of provisions of the 1991 constitution.
Referring to the latest arrest and detention of opposition Member of Parliament for constituency 129, Hon Emmanuel Saidu Conteh, the Network cited two previous similar cases in three years.
“This is the third time it is happening now in the last three years, where Honourable Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament are arrested and detained with immunities removed by the Speaker of Parliament”. The press statement stated
Among MPs who have suffered such arrest and detention include Hon Sheka Samai from Pujehun District, Hon. Lahai Marah from Falaba District, and now Hon Emmanuel Saidu Conteh. The network called on the police to release the detained MP and urged them to respect international protocol on best practices of good policing. The case had been charged to court, the matter called and adjourned to today Wednesday 21st July 2021 with the MP still remanded.
