Judiciary of Sierra Leone under the tenet of his Lordship of the Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has entrusted five Justices of the High Court to discharge Criminal Sessions in a press release on Wednesday 2rd March 2022.
As stated in the release, the five assigned Judges of the High Court would be considered to handle cases in Pujehun, Bonthe, Kerene, Falaba, and Tonkolili Districts respectively, especially in the proceedings of High Court Criminal Sessions.Â
Communication Department of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone wrote that the Special High Court Criminal Sessions are fully funded by the Government of Sierra Leone in respect of improving access to justice and addressing overcrowding issues in the Correctional Centres across the country. ‘’it is held in places where there are no sitting judges,’’ Communication Department clarified.
The release depicted that effective 7th March 2022, the sessions would for the first time commence in Pujehun Town and Mattru Jong Town in the Southern Province. Adding that Falaba, Kamakwie, and Magburuka are expecting to begin High Court Criminal Session on 14th March 2022 and end on 25th March 2022.Â
With regards to the efficiency and effectiveness of the sessions, the Communication Department disclosed that one of the things that spike this move is to enhance access to justice and relieving of correctional centers mainly by ensuring that accused persons have the clout to be tried instantaneously. ‘’the entire sessions will end on 25th March 2022,’’ said Communication Department.
BY MOHAMED SAHR
