“I’m Happy to Be Back” – Lawyer JFK Speaks After Release from Detention
Deborah Sorie Prominent lawyer and All People’s Congress (APC) counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, has expressed happiness following his release from detention at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre, where he spent more than five days after being held for contempt of court.
Speaking briefly to the press shortly after regaining his freedom, Kamara said: “I’m happy to be back.”
Asked whether he would continue representing the APC in the ongoing constitutional proceedings before the Supreme Court, he responded: “We will talk more on that later.”
Kamara was discharged and released on Tuesday, October 13, after tendering an unreserved apology to Chief Justice Komba Kamanda and the Supreme Court over his previous utterances during the proceedings.
His legal team, led by lawyer Suliaman Borbor Kabba, appealed to the Chief Justice and the Court to accept the apology, forgive Kamara and order his release.
The Chief Justice confirmed that the Court had accepted the apology and subsequently discharged the senior lawyer.
During the proceedings, Kamanda emphasised the national importance of the constitutional case and called on lawyers and other court attendees to respect judicial authority and protect the integrity of the justice system.
He also cautioned lawyers and media practitioners against making public statements or granting interviews that could undermine the administration of justice.
Kamara’s detention followed a heated exchange with the Chief Justice over filings from the Attorney-General’s Office during the closely watched constitutional proceedings.
The case concerns challenges to the procedure used to enact the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the interpretation of Sections 91 and 108 of the 1991 Constitution.
Kamara’s release brings an end to his period in detention, but uncertainty remains over whether he will resume his role as lead counsel for the APC in the constitutional matter.
His brief response to questions about his continued representation suggests that a decision on the matter may be communicated later.
The Law most be with a level ground whilst Citizens must be respected