Sierra Leone Charges 12 Conspirators for Failed Coup Attempt

Sierra Leone charges 12 conspirators for failed coup attempt

Twelve people have been charged in Sierra Leone for their alleged role in November’s failed coup attempt.

They include former police and correctional officers as well as the former bodyguard of ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Mr Koroma is also a suspect in the coup attempt and has been under house arrest since he was questioned by police last month.

The suspects are facing several charges, including treason, concealing treason and “harbouring, aiding and abetting the enemy.

Other suspects “are expected to be charged in the coming days.

On November 26, 2023 gunmen broke into a military armoury and several prisons in capital city Freetown, freeing almost 2,000 inmates.

At least 19 people, including 13 soldiers, died in the violence, which was labelled as a failed coup attempt by the army.

In December, the government announced that it had held 80 suspects over the coup attempt, including civilians and active and former police and military officers.

Mr Koroma’s daughter, Dankay Koroma, was also named among 54 other wanted suspects.