By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter, Daily Scope
The Sierra Leone government has released 10 individuals accused of murdering policemen and setting fire to the Kamakwie Police Station during the insurrection on August 10, 2022.
In a note addressed to the presiding judge in Makeni, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Osman Kanu stated, “Take notice that in exercise of the power vested in me, by Section 66 (4) (c) and (5) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991, I hereby authorize State Counsel Joseph A.K. Sesay to discontinue the above matter against the accused persons.” Kanu clarified that he was directed to make this decision, resulting in the discharge of all 10 individuals from their charges.
These individuals had been in police custody since their arrest in the aftermath of the violent protests, which erupted as demonstrators called for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio. What began as a peaceful protest escalated into chaos, leading to the deaths of nearly 30 people and extensive property damage across Freetown and other areas. Properties worth millions of Leones were destroyed, with businesses looted and vandalized.
The government attributed the unrest to the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), which has denied any involvement in inciting the violence. Following the turmoil, police conducted several arrests as investigations were launched.
In an agreement reached in October 2023—months after the contentious national elections in June—the two major political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the APC, committed to the release of all political prisoners, paving the way for the recent decision to discharge the accused.
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