By Ragan M. Conteh

The Acting Speaker of Parliament, Hon Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, has raised a strong claim that “the juror system is the cause for injustice in the justice system”.

He said this in his Chamber in the Well of Parliament.

Hon Sengehpoh Solomon Thomas said there are many cases that are waiting in courts but because jurors are absenting from attending the courts such cases and so justice is not rendered while victims suffer the consequences of jurors’ actions.

The Acting Speaker was making these assertions during debate on the Bill entitled, “The Criminal Procedure Act, 2024,” being an act to replace the criminal Act of 1965.

It is an act to provide new procedures relating to summary trails committal proceedings, trials on indictments, alternative sentences and to provide other related matters.

He said any case that fails a full jury could not progress.

He further pointed out that some jurors are also afraid to show up in some cases which make it difficult for the judges to progress on the said case.

The Opposition Leader in Parliament who doubles as Member of Parliament from Koinadugu district said The Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 is a human right bill; adding, it is the ‘blood vessels’ of the nation, “we must get it right.”

Meanwhile, MPs from both sides contributed to the debate.

And the bill had been committed to the legislative committee for thorough scrutiny.