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Lawyer Africanus Sesay, representing the fourth accused, Samura Kamara in the New York Chancery Corruption trial has objected to the use of live streaming.
He made this stance in his objection at Wednesday’s hearing in Freetown.
According to Counsel Sesay, the video recording of the locus visit to New York has been used to ridicule the forth accused, who happens to be the Presidential candidate of the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) for June’s general elections.
At the start of the case, he said there was no record of live streaming and doing so at this stage will prejudice the right of the accused.
“This is not an ordinary case, there must be equality of treatment,” Lawyer Sesay stated. He referred to Section 23 of Act No.6, 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone in support of his objection.
According to the Counsel, the video streaming in the trial would impact Kamara’s chances in the ballot box on 24 June 2023.
However, the trial Judge, Justice Adrian Fisher overruled the counsel’s objection and said there is nothing inconsistent and does not contravene Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution.
According to Justice Adrian Fisher, public hearings are procedural, and the issue of live streaming is determined by the Judiciary to avoid false rumors from the public, adding that it also creates room for transparency and free from lies.
“I will not allow this case to be politicized, there was no live streaming at the start of the matter because the forth accused was an ordinary person, but because his status has changed and he is no longer an ordinary man it would be good for live streaming,” he stated.
The two reports from the locus visit including a written report, video and photographs done by the Judiciary Director of Communications Mr. Elkass Sannah were produced and tendered.
Lawyer Africanus Sorie Sesay on behalf of the 2nd and 4th accused objected to the tendering of the reports but was again overruled by Justice Adrian fishbecausehat he has no leg to stand on.
The second prosecuting witness, Paul Opnada Bockarie, attached to the Ministry of Works was recalled by defense counsel Mohamed Pa. Momoh Fofana, and was cross-examined on behalf of the first accused Mr. Saidu Nallo with regards to the locus visit to New York City.
Responding to questions, the witness said he went to see the Chancery Building in New York as a professional head and not as an expert.
The matter continues on 6th April 2023.
