PALO CONTEH’S LAWYERS RAISE CONCERN

One of the defense lawyers for the appellate applicant, Rtd. Maj. Alfred Palo Conteh, Wara Serry-Kamal, has informed the Appeals Court judges that the state was yet to make available the transcripts of the just concluded treason trial to enable them to file in their synopsis of arguments to be made in his substantive appeal.

She said they have written the Chief Justice and the Master and Registrar of the Judiciary to make available the audio recording of the entire treason trial, the transcribed version of the audio recording, but to no avail, stating that they would  having constraints in filing the appeal if that situation continues.

Also, lead defense counsel, Abdulai O. Conteh, raised similar concern and stated that after the court had denied bail to the appellate applicant Rtd. Maj. Alfred Palo Conteh and ordered that the documents of the treason trial be made available to them within seven days, they were still having difficulties in accessing the said documents.

Meanwhile, one of the judges on the matter, Justice Ivan Sesay told the appellate applicant that by September 17th, 2020, they should have filed in their synopsis of arguments together with their relevant authorities.

He also gave the respondent applicant another two weeks after the appellant had filed his for the State to file in their own synopsis of arguments , together with their relevant authorities.

He asked both parties to get themselves prepared for their oral submissions on the 13th October, 2020.

In July this year, Conteh was convicted for unlawful possession of small arms and carrying a loaded weapon  in a public place by the High Court and despite being a first-time offender,

he was given “ the maximum jail term  of 24 months “ that was proscribed by the Arms and Ammunition Act. but his lawyers appealed the decision of the court.

Appellate applicant, Rtd. Maj. Alfred Palo Conteh, was earlier denied bail pending appeal which the judge in their ruling told the court that they have carefully looked into the issues raised and the arguments for and against, and decided that the application ought to be dismissed

The matter has been adjourned to the 13th October, for oral submission and determination of the appeal at the Court of Appeal.