A former bodyguard of Sierra Leone’s ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma has been convicted of treason and sentenced, along with 10 others, over a failed coup attempt last year.
Amadu Koita Makalo, also a former soldier, received a 182-year prison sentence for treason, murder, and shooting with intent to murder.
These charges stem from attacks on a military barracks and prisons in November, shortly after President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected for a second term following a contested election.
The attacks led to the escape of more than 2,000 prisoners and resulted in at least 20 deaths before the government regained control, labeling the incident as an attempted coup.
Makalo, who had a significant following on social media and was critical of the government, was accused of being one of the coup plot organizers.
During sentencing, Judge Komba Kamanda noted Makalo’s lack of remorse, as reported by the local newspaper Awoko.
Kamanda stated, “The purpose of this sentence is to serve as a deterrent for people to know that coups or attempted coups to overthrow any legitimate government is no longer accepted.”
Makalo’s co-accused received sentences ranging from 39 to 182 years in prison.
A judicial spokesman told the AFP news agency that the exact length of their sentences was not specified, as the court document had not been stamped and signed.
In connection with the incident, at least 80 people, mostly military personnel, were arrested. In January, 12 people, including former police officers, faced charges of treason and other offenses.
That same month, former President Koroma, who led Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018, was also charged with treason related to the coup attempt, which he denied.
Despite these charges, Koroma was allowed to travel to Nigeria on medical grounds for up to three months but has yet to return to Sierra Leone.
Source-BBC
