24 soldiers were given lengthy prison sentences by a military court in Sierra Leone for their roles in a unsuccessful attempt to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio’s state in November.
The judge sentenced those found guilty to jail sentences ranging from 50 to 120 years in court on Friday night.
They were among 27 people court-martialled for participating in the attempted coup on Nov. 26 that saw militants attack military camp, two prison and other places, freeing about 2, 200 individuals and killing more than 20 individuals
The punishment follows the jailing in July of 11 citizens, and police and prison officials for their part in the uprising.
A seven-member military judge found most of the court-martialled military criminal by unanimous conviction after periods of proceedings. The males faced a total of 88 charges including rebellion, death, aiding the army and stealing people or company property.
All but one of those detained had rank-and-file service. The longest prison term in history, 120 years, was served on a commander colonel’s conviction.
Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, a former military officer, said that when we come to this conclusion regarding statements, we are bringing out a concept of zero tolerance for such an action in the defense.
Of the remaining three, one was found not innocent, another sentenced earlier according to pleading guilty, and the dragon’s prosecution will argue at a later date.
As the words were read away, people of the convicts ‘ families screamed inside the court.
Following an election that President Bio largely won, the unsuccessful effort was unsuccessful. The main opposition party, the APC, disputed his triumph, and some local and international observers also questioned the legitimacy of the voting.
