Some of the relatives of the 11th September, 2023, protesters were left in tears at the Ross Road Court in Freetown when they were refused bail and remanded at the Male and Female Correctional Centres on Pademba Road, Freetown.
The parents were not allowed to enter the courtroom and were crying bitterly for their children.
Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of the Ross Road Court No.3 refused the accused bail and remanded them at the Male and Female Correctional Centres in Freetown.
The thirty-three accused, Abubakarr Kargbo, Ibrahim Amidu Jalloh, Mohamed Kamara, Fatmata Sesay, Alisha Kanu, Fatmata Conteh and others were arraigned before the court on five counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful procession, incitement, riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour contrary to section 12 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) of Act No 15 of 1973.
It was alleged that the accused, on 11th September, 2023, on the eastern part of Freetown, conspired with unknown persons to commit a crime, to wit, unlawful procession.
The charge sheet furthered that the accused, on the same date and place in Freetown, were found in an unlawful procession without lawful authority and at the same time invited members of the public to commit breach of the peace.
It was alleged that the accused, on the same date and place, behaved in a riotous manner and disorderly behaviour.
When the charges were read and explained to them, they pleaded not guilty.
The police prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Erick A. Deen pleaded with the bench to accord him a short adjourned date for him to bring his available witnesses to court to testify, which was granted.
Before the adjourned date, lead defence counsel, M. Bayraytay applied for bail on behalf of the accused, which was objected by prosecutor Eric A. Deen.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Daboh denied the accused persons bail and remanded them at the Male and Female Correctional Centres on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 28th September, 2023, for the prosecutor to lead his first witness.
