By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, a 52-year-old former military personnel, was arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Tuesday, 19th November, 2024, facing a charge of Incitement, contrary to the law.
According to the charge, Kamara allegedly made inflammatory statements on Saturday, 19th October 2024, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. The prosecution claims that Kamara’s statements, which included claims that the government led by President Julius Maada Bio had killed several individuals arrested during the August 10th, 2023, protest, were intended to undermine the peace and security of the country. Kamara allegedly stated that President Bio had not won the June 24th, 2023, elections and threatened that regardless of the President’s actions, they would overthrow him.
Kamara pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read and explained to him.
During the hearing, prosecution witness Abubakarr Kargbo, an inspector at the Central Investigation Department (CID), testified that a video clip showing Kamara making inciting remarks was brought to their attention. Kargbo noted that the accused was questioned in Krio, with a translated version in English, and admitted to the statements made in the video. The statement was tendered as evidence in court, along with a further voluntary statement and the mobile phone of the accused, which was sent for forensic analysis.
Magistrate Bangura denied Kamara bail and remanded him to the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown. The case was adjourned to 26th November 2024 for further proceedings.
