By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In the consultative meeting held on Thursday, 16th May 2024, at Parliament committee room 1, the Parliament of Sierra Leone’s Legislative Committee convened with legal stakeholders and civil societies to discuss the Criminal Procedure Bill 2024 before its enactment. The meeting aimed to provide an opportunity for further clarifications and additions to ensure a conscientious and sustainable law.
Attended by distinguished individuals including Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, the Minister of Justice Mohamed-Lamin Tarawalley, Chief Justice Nicholas Drowne Marke, Attorney General, and representatives from civil societies such as Legal Link and AdvocAid, the meeting underscored the significance of transparent laws that address the concerns of the people.
Chairman of the Legislative Committee Hon. Mariao Conteh elucidated the purpose of the meeting, emphasizing the need for civil societies to present their positions focusing on areas requiring clarification and additional provisions. The Minister of Justice Mohamed-Lamin Tarawalley reiterated the importance of the bill in addressing grievances within the criminal justice system and stressed its non-political nature.
Representatives from civil societies, Rashid Dumbuya Esq. from Legal Link and Willietta Hughes Esq. from AdvocAid, expressed their concerns about various sections of the bill, highlighting perceived weaknesses and proposing recommendations for improvement. Their concerns encompassed issues such as search without warrant, objection of bail, arrest without warrant, sentencing alternatives, notice after arrest, and jury limitations.
Chief Justice Nicholas Drowne Marke acknowledged the efforts of civil societies in scrutinizing the bill and provided clarifications on the highlighted sections. He reassured that the aim was not to diminish citizens’ rights but to rationalize the system, indicating continuity with provisions from the old act.
Solicitor-General Robert Kowa supplemented clarifications on the concerns raised, and the Chairman of the committee commended all participants for their contributions, promising careful consideration of the issues raised.
Overall, the meeting served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between legislative bodies, legal stakeholders, and civil societies to refine the Criminal Procedure Bill 2024 for the benefit of Sierra Leonean citizens.
