Freetown, Sierra Leone – A military court in Sierra Leone on Friday sentenced 24 soldiers to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a failed coup attempt against President Julius Maada Bio last November.
The convictions and subsequent harsh sentences mark a decisive blow to those who sought to destabilize the West African nation. The court handed down prison terms ranging from 50 to 120 years, with a lieutenant colonel receiving the maximum penalty.
The 24 were among 27 soldiers court-martialed for their roles in the uprising that saw attacks on military barracks, prisons, and other facilities. The violence resulted in the deaths of over 20 people and the escape of thousands of inmates.
A seven-member military jury deliberated for hours before finding the majority of the accused guilty on multiple charges, including mutiny, murder, and treason.
Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, a former military officer, emphasized the severity of the crimes when delivering the sentences, stating that the ruling was intended to send a strong message of zero tolerance for such actions within the armed forces.
The failed coup attempt came on the heels of a closely contested presidential election, which Bio narrowly won. The opposition and some international observers raised concerns about the electoral process.
The sentencing of the soldiers follows the conviction of 11 civilians and security personnel in July for their involvement in the insurrection.
As the sentences were read, emotional outbursts erupted in the courtroom from family members of the convicted soldiers.
