By Ragan M. Conteh
The country’s Attorney General of and Ministry of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie, has said the repealing of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 and the enactment of Pre-Legislative hearing on a the bill entitled, “Criminal Procedure Act 2024” severally made provisions for compensation to be paid to an accused or (victims) for frivolous and malicious prosecution.
AG Tarawalie continued that the CPA of 1965 had been in existence for (58) fifty-eight years, stressing that it is up now to be re-appealed.
AG Lamin Tarawalie made a statement in the legislative Committee Room 1 in the House of Parliament on Monday 15th April ,2024 during a Pre-Legislative hearing on Bill entitled, “Criminal Procedure Act 2024.”
AG Lamin Tarawalie said the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) of 1965 law itself did not make provision for electronic evidence in court, but the bill, “Criminal Procedure Act 2024 has made provision for that as people can be anywhere to attend a court proceeding through electronic system.
Repealing the law, he said, it will reduce prison and reduce delays in court trials.
Mr. Tarawalie drew the attention of the House to the Jury system, admitting that the Jury system is not a blessing to the country’s justice system.
He said it is so because if (12) twelve jurors are assigned to sit on a matter or matters especially those that have to do with capital offences, or if one jury is absent for a sitting, the judge is bound to adjourn that matter.
He encouraged MPs to pay attention to the Jury system adding that the abolition of the death penalty has made the Jury system irrelevant.
He said by repealing the law it will also reduce and minimize minor offences that cause unnecessary delays or setbacks in the justice system.
The Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Nicolas Brown Mark deliberates on the said bill and he said it is important as it will decongest the country’s correctional services.
He said the bill made alternative sentences for misdemeanor or minor offences including larceny or stealing.
According to him the bill if approved by lawmakers, there should be no delays in court proceedings like giving flimsy excuses on the part of the prosecution or by giving excuses that” witness or witnesses are not available” during a proceeding.
He said the bill made provision for all statements from the relevant witness or witnesses are available during proceedings to avoid unnecessary delays.
He said for instance, if an accused made alibi statement, they will make sure that the statement is obtained from that person.
Making his statement, the Leader of government business, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma thanked the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie and Chief Justice (CJ), Nicolas Brown for cooperating with the Legislative Committee in the House of Parliament, stressing that the AG, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie had been very instrumental in the process and also described the bill as people’s centre Bill.
Hon. Nyuma made reference to parts 4, 5 and 6 of the bill as they are instrumental and assured that they have to with civic right of the people.
He heaped praises on the AG and Chief Justice (CJ) Nicolas Brown Mark and assured them of their esteemed cooperation for the enactment of the bill into law.
Deputy Leader (2) two from the opposition Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma said the significance of cannot overemphasize as it will help the judiciary to decongest prison.
Hon. Koroma assured that there many people who spending two or three imprison for minor offences and pleaded with the AG Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie to improve the justice system in the country.