AYV News, August 30, 2024
Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party has appealed to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio not sign into law the Jury Bill.
Acting Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon. Daniel Koroma said: “Give us back our Jury System. I know our President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will never sign that Bill. He is a good rights advocate and with the support of our First Lady, I know he will not support or sign such a bad bill.”
On 5th July, 2024, the Sierra Leone Parliament passed the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which abolished the Jury system.
Hon. Koroma said President Bio should take a stand for democracy by refusing to sign the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and send it back to Parliament for reconsideration on the basis that the abolition of the Jury system, under such circumstances, noting that signing this bill will be a step in the wrong direction and a grave disservice to the people of Sierra Leone.
A total of sixty-five Members of Parliament (MPs), including Hon. Mohamed Bangura from Karene district, voted in favour of expunging the Jury system, while thirty-eight opposition MPs voted against its removal.
The amendment marks a significant departure from the longstanding provisions of the CPA of 1965, which introduced and regulated the use of juries in criminal trials across the country.
Although the decision was not unanimous, the majority votes in favour were deemed sufficient to pass the motion to abolish the jury system from criminal proceedings in Sierra Leone.
The debate in the House was characterised by intense emotions and divided opinions. MPs aligned with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supported the abolition, citing financial constraints in sustaining the welfare of jurors throughout trials and the potential for trial delays in their absence.
Conversely, members of the opposition acknowledged the challenges associated with the jury system but advocated for amendments to address its shortcomings within the existing framework of the CPA of 1965, rather than its outright removal.
In a conclusive vote, Speaker Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas called for a head count, resulting in sixty-five votes in favour from the SLPP and thirty-eight votes against from the APC, affirming the abolition of the jury system in Sierra Leone’s criminal proceedings.
This decision marks a significant legislative shift aimed at reforming the country’s legal processes, signaling both challenges and opportunities in the realm of criminal justice in Sierra Leone.
