Closing arguments in Soja tribunal today
Closing arguments are expected today Thursday June 16 before the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone tribunal between counsel representing the complainants of 235 ex-soldiers, Editayo Pabs-Garnon and counsel representing the defendants, the Ministry of Defence and Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Col. I.M.Koroma.
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone on June 1 began its first Public Hearing on 235 ex-soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) who were referred to as chronically and mentally imbalanced by the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. A complaint was received from the ex-soldiers by the Commission on April 23rd, 2009.
The soldiers were recruited in to the RSLAF on various dates and served for periods ranging between 3yrs and 40yrs up to 2008 when they were discharged as chronically ill and mentally imbalanced. During their service with the RSLAF, the complainants were involved in active combat duties of various kinds in the period of the civil war in Sierra Leone. They were however not happy with the nomenclature, chronically ill and mentally imbalanced which they considered to be inappropriate as they cannot secure jobs with potential civil employers. They also complained that some of them were initially Wounded in Action (WIA) category but they were later placed in the chronically ill and mentally imbalance category hence got less benefit.
They felt disowned by their former employers considering the type of service they have rendered to their country. They view the action of their authorities as unfortunate and for failing to adequately articulate the breakdown of their discharge package.
In all eighteen witnesses testified before the tribunal which comprise of Commissioner Rev. Moses Khanu, Commissioner Jamesina-King and Commissioner Yasmin Jusu-Sheriff as chair. Six of those witnesses were the complainants, seven of them from the defence and four the tribunal witnesses.
Among the witnesses that faced the tribunal were the Defence Minister, Alfred Paolo Conteh, Brigadier Kestora Kabia, Brigadier Jah-Tucker, Col. Dr. Sahr, Dr. Edward Nahim, Alhaji Baniyila Sesay and the IMATT Medical Advisor. The closing arguments take place at the Commission’s conference room, Wellington Street.
Ishmael Bayoh
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