A breastfeeding mother was sent back to jail Tuesday in Kenema, eastern Sierra Leone, after she arrived late for a scheduled criminal court hearing, moments after a magistrate had adjourned her matter, but still in the courtroom.

Miatta Lansana had gone to the hospital to care for her infant child, according to court testimony.

Magistrate Abdul Carew, last Tuesday, Aug. 11, granted Lansana bail on Le10M (approx. $1,000), a valid ID card, and two passport sized photos. The magistrate had granted the bail after defense lawyers argued she’s a breastfeeding mother – with an infant child.

Carew then scheduled her next hearing date for Tuesday, Aug. 17. But when the magistrate entered the courtroom, and the case called, Lansana wasn’t present.

Nor were the defense lawyers who’d previously appeared on her behalf, and others charged with several criminal offenses.
The man who’d acted as Lansana’s surety was then asked by the magistrate about her whereabouts.

“Miatta Lansana went to the hospital for the treatment of her baby, but she will be here soon,” the surety said.

Lansana, however, didn’t show up until after the magistrate had adjourned the case to Aug. 23.

Carew of The Judiciary of Sierra Leone then revoked her bail, and sent her back to jail. He also jailed the man who acted as her surety – for failing to produce the breastfeeding mother on time.

“For failing to come on time, you and your surety will join the rest in detention,” Carew said.

Lansana was very bitter, and pleaded with the court for mercy – but the magistrate didn’t respond to her.

TV-News24 didn’t see the child in court with the mother as she was led away to jail.

Lansana is among a group of nine Sierra Leoneans – of 63 individuals – charged with unlawful assembly.

The other 54 are foreign nationals from West Africa charged with – unlawful assembly, illegal entry, unlawful entry, and failing to register with immigration department. The 63, a state witness alleges, were observed engaging in some sort of training – though he didn’t specify.