Sierra Leone: Twelve people indicted after 'coup attempt' at the end of November
In Sierra Leone, twelve people have been charged following the 26 November attacks in Freetown. They are accused of "treason and complicity in treason" by the Sierra Leonean justice system. The attacks targeted barracks, detention centres, police stations and an armoury.
Sierra Leone Armed Forces soldiers patrol the streets of Freetown after clashes with supporters of the opposition party, All People's Congress (APC), in June 2023. (Illustrative image). © JOHN WESSELS / AFP
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On 26 November, in attacks by men clashing with Sierra Leonean security forces, some 2 people died and 000,<> inmates escaped from prison that day. The authorities described the events as an "abortive coup attempt".
Among those charged on Tuesday, January 2, was Amadu Koita. The former military officer is the bodyguard of the former president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma. Amadu Koita had a large following on social media and was in the habit of openly criticizing President Julius Maada Bio and his government. He is considered by the courts to be an organizer of the operation.
85 people arrested
Another figure indicted is Bai Mahmoud Bangura, a senior member of the opposition APC party. However, the statement signed by Information Minister Chernor Bah did not reveal the identity or status of the other 10 people. All are being prosecuted for "treason, complicity in treason, harbouring, aiding and abetting the enemy".
The defendants are among 85 people, mostly soldiers, arrested in connection with the events of 26 November.
The statement said the 12 defendants were assisted by a lawyer. Other defendants are expected to be charged in the coming days, it said.
Read alsoClashes in Sierra Leone: "No one thought it would happen now"
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- Sierra Leone
- Ernest Koroma
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