By Edna AmieNgegbs
A Supreme Court Judge, Justice Alusine Sesay has during the review of cases presided over and determined by Magistrates, dubbed the prison court, released a total of 59 prisoners.
44 of the released convicts were from the Mafanta, and 15 From Makeni Correctional Centres in Northern Sierra Leone.
The convicts were charged with various offences.
The 44 from Mafanta were part of a total of 104 cases. 17 of which were from Freetown, 4 from Sefadu, 75 from Makeni, 6 from Kabala, 1 from Waterloo and 1 from Magburuka.
The 15 convicts released from Makeni correctional centres were among 55 cases that were before the Court for review.
The review process for both Mafanta and Makeni correctional centres were held on Friday 22nd September 2023.
In his opening remarks, Justice Sesay said the aim of the Prison Courts is to review cases and not to convict.
The Supreme Court Judge reduced the imprisonment of some convicts, while others were released because they were already at the concluding their jail term.
The ongoing exercise also looks into other issues such as prolonged adjournments, bail review and sentencing, among others.
At the Makeni Session, Justice Sesay reduced the jail term of 36 convicts while 15 were released due to health challenges, and for some, based on the nature of the crime committed.
He added that convicts of most minor offences such as domestic violence, phone theft among others should not be jailed but should be sent to do community services, adding that it will reduce the burden on the government.
The Legal Aid Board National supervisor M Korie representing the released convicts, admonished them to go out and conduct themselves well in their various communities.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to increase access and ensure fairness in the criminal justice system.
It was introduced after the conclusion of the Judicial Week, which targeted 802 cases. The Prison court and the judicial week are supported by the United Nations Development Programme.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (25/09/23)
