Former Defence Minister Alfred Palo Conteh has been pardoned by President Julius Maada Bio. This comes after several pleas were made for him be released after the court exonerated him of all treason charges but found him guilty of unlawful possession of a hand gun.
He was supposed to serve a two years sentence. His legal team filed in an appeal to challenge the conviction. This longstanding controversial matter which has derived a barrage of diverse public opinions will now be a thing of the past. CULLED
According to Presidential Press Secretary, Yussuf Keketorma Sandy, Pursuant to section 63(1)(a) of Act No. 6 of 1991, President Bio has granted a Prerogative of Mercy to Major (Rtd) Alfred Palo Conteh.
But supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress ( APC ) will not see the release of one of their most faithful members as an act of clemency by President Bio as they had always seen the arrest , incarceration and trial of Palo Conteh as another act of political witch-hunt. SLPP supporters, on the other hand, will insist that it was an act of clemency because , according to them, Conteh breached national security by entering State House with a gun to attend a COVID-19 meeting with President Bio.
Neutralists will however see it as an attempt by President Bio to reduce tension in the country.
