Speaking after the court appearance – counsel for the former President, Joseph F. Kamara told reporters that a dark cloud has today descended upon Sierra Leone and that a dangerous precedent has been set, involving trumped-up charges against a former president of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone no longer has the death penalty on its statute books for treason. After his brief appearance at the magistrate court today by former President Koroma, the hearing was adjourned till 17th January 2024. Subject to your approval, arrangements will be made to fly Former President Koroma out of Freetown on Thursday 4 January 2024. In addition to seeking Your Excellency’s approval for the departure from Sierra Leone of the Former President on or around the date indicated above, I would like to seek your confirmation that once President Koroma leaves Sierra Leone, the following arrangements (as agreed during the mission) will be put in place:Government of Sierra Leone will discontinue all legal and administrative procedures against him; The Government of Sierra Leone will also continue to disburse to him his benefits as former President; The Government of Sierra Leone will secure his residences in the various locations in Sierra Leone; The Government of Sierra Leone will consider refunding medical and travel expenses he has incurred.
