By: Audrey Raymonda John
Some of the relatives of 11th September, 2023 protesters were all over the Ross Road Court in Freetown as they were left in tears when all 33 accused persons were refused bail for the second time and sent to the male and Female Correctional Centres on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The accused persons made their second appearance before Magistrate Hadiru K Daboh of Ross Road Court No.3 in Freetown. The thirty-three (33) accused, Abubakarr Kargbo, Ibrahim Amidu Jalloh, Mohamed Kamara, Fatmata Sesay, Alisha Kanu, Fatmata Conteh and others were arraigned before the court on five counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful procession, incitement, riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour contrary to Section 12 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) of Act No 15 of 1973.
It was alleged that the accused, on 11th September 2023, in the eastern part of Freetown, conspired with other persons unknown to commit a crime, to wit, unlawful procession.
The charge sheet further that the accused, on the same date and place in Freetown, were found in an unlawful procession without lawful authority and at the same time they invited members of the public to commit the breach of the peace.
It was alleged that the accused, on the same date and place, behaved in a riotous and disorderly manner.
When the charges were read and explained to them, they pleaded not guilty during their first appearance.
The police prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Erick A. Deen pleaded with the bench to accord him short adjourned date for him to bring his witnesses to testify in court; which was granted.
Before the adjourned date, lead defense counsel, M. Bayraytay applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons, but was objected by the prosecutor Eric A. Deen.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Daboh denied the accused persons bail and remanded them to the Male and Female Correctional Centres at Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was 28th September 2023, for the prosecutor to lead his first witness.