The court of Appeal may slam an Order for contempt of Court against PHILIP NEVILLE Executive Editor, Standard Times Newspaper, MUSTAPHA SESAY Managing Editor, Standard Times Newspaper, ABU BAKARR KARGBO Copy/News Editor, Standard Times Newspaper and ALIE ABESS respectively to Prison for a period to be determined by the court.
The Contempt case came as a result of a publication done by the Standard Times Newspaper dated the 25th July 2022 in which Headline Reads “Deputy Speaker Implicated in Randa’s US$500,000…theft”.
The Standard Times Publication made a specific reference that Randa Skeiky’s admission to bail has been very controversial and suspicious. The Publication furthers that many workers at the judiciary have alleged that the Orders of the court of appeal were not followed adding that, the Applicant was released when a Production Order was sent to the Female Correctional Center and freedom was granted to her.
The Court, therefore, considers Standard Times Publication dated the 25th of July as an unlawful interference and contempt of the proceedings and ruling of the court. “Decision of this honorable Court for the said Contemnors’ deliberate and sustained contempt of the proceedings and directives/orders of this honorable Court regarding proceedings in the bail application of the Appellant/Applicant herein, pursuant to section 129(3) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 and Order 51 rule 1(2) (a) (i) and 1(2) (b) of the High Court Rules, 2007”.
