Military Court Sentences Sierra Leone Soldiers Over Coup Attempt

A military court in Sierra Leone has sentenced 24 soldiers to prison terms ranging from 50 to 120 years for their roles in a failed coup attempt against President Julius Maada Bio's government. The coup attempt last November resulted in attacks on military barracks, prisons, and the release of inmates.

A military court in Sierra Leone has handed out lengthy prison sentences to 24 soldiers involved in a failed coup attempt against President Julius Maada Bio last November.

The court delivered sentences ranging from 50 to 120 years late on Friday, following a trial of 27 soldiers charged in connection with the November 26 insurrection. The failed coup involved attacks on military barracks, two prisons, and other locations, resulting in the release of approximately 2,200 inmates and over 20 fatalities.

This sentencing follows the conviction in July of 11 civilians, police, and prison officers for their roles in the same insurrection. A seven-member military jury delivered unanimous guilty verdicts on 88 charges, including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, and theft of public or service property. Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba emphasized the sentences as a message of zero tolerance for such acts within the military.