Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally has given an overview of the cases being prosecuted by his ministry regarding the November 26th failed coup in the country.

He maintained that several arrests were made during the incident which included serving and retired police officers, and serving and retired military personnel, and out of the number that was arrested twenty-seven (27) are serving members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone who have been charged to court based on the evidence adding that the investigation continues.

“The police, the ONS, and the military are jointly investigating the matter” he noted.

He furthered that the charges are varied ranging from the most heinous crime that is treason, murder, etc.

He stated that the trial was split into two as those who were retired policemen and ex-service military men were considered civilians for which they were brought to the civil court. Those are active in service were taken to the court martial for which he maintained that the court trial has started since the 2nd January 2024.

He disclosed that, 46 individuals have been released which included, 30 civilian suspects, 7 police suspects, 5 military suspects, 4 correctional officers and 40 are currently standing trial which include 13 civilians and 27 military.

He stated that those armed men who are facing court martial have eighty-eight count charges and that the court is trailing to expedite those cases adding that, the state has also provided them lawyers through legal aid board to ensure that they provide fair trials.

He maintained that former President Koroma is expected to appear before the court on the 6th March 2024 and that the government will continue to be transparent and accountable throughout this process and allow the rule of law to prevail without interference.