In a significant turn of events in the treason trial, Mohamed Jalloh, the second accused, has vehemently disputed all allegations against him.
He claims that he was tortured and forced to confess by police. Speaking to Justice Komba Kamanda, Jalloh stated he would rescind his original plan to testify from the dock and instead provide an unsworn statement.
Jalloh proclaimed his innocence, citing evidence
from his call logs that he claimed verified his location at the time of the
alleged incident. He stated that he was in Kissy, attending his brother’s
wedding on November 25, 2023, and stayed there until the following day.
Recounting the circumstances of his arrest,
Jalloh described being taken by surprise during a police raid on his home several
days later, despite being unaware of any wrongdoing. He detailed a violent
encounter with armed military personnel who allegedly tortured him severely,
leaving him injured and bleeding. Jalloh explained that the military equipment
found at his residence belonged to his brother, who is in the military, a fact
he claimed the authorities ignored.
Jalloh described being transferred between police stations, facing ongoing accusations and harsh treatment, including electrocution and torture.
He recounted that he was tortured alongside another
detainee who did not survive. Despite being initially denied access to his
family and proper medical care, Jalloh maintained his innocence throughout his
interrogation by senior military personnel.
In an emotional appeal to the court, Jalloh
emphasized the absence of direct evidence linking him to the alleged crimes and
denied any conspiracy with individuals he claimed not to have met until his
incarceration. He expressed deep distress over the ordeal, highlighting the psychological
impact of the accusations and the subsequent mistreatment.
As the trial continues, Jalloh’s testimony
challenges the prosecution's narrative, raising serious questions about the
handling of the case and allegations of human rights abuses. His account casts
a spotlight on alleged police misconduct and coerced confessions, capturing
public attention and intensifying scrutiny over issues of justice and due
process in the legal system.
Jalloh’s testimony presents a significant
counter-narrative to the prosecution’s case. The details of his alleged torture
and coerced confession add a complex layer to the trial, bringing to the
forefront concerns about the methods used by law enforcement in securing
confessions and the potential for human rights violations.
The ongoing treason trial, with testimonies like
Jalloh’s, underscores broader concerns about justice and due process in Sierra
Leone's legal system. As the court continues to hear evidence, the public
remains keenly focused on the proceedings, anticipating how these serious
allegations will impact the trial's outcome and the broader implications for
legal practices in the country.