Sierra Leone opposition leader granted bail pending appeal in sexual offenses case

The Sierra Leone Court of Appeal has recently approved bail for Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, the opposition political leader, while he awaits the outcome of his appeal in his sexual offenses case. 

#Breaking: The Court of Appeal has just granted bail to convict, Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray pending his appeal.
Details later. pic.twitter.com/dNlFIFBTI7

— Judiciary of Sierra Leone (@JudiciaryofSL) September 8, 2023

This development comes after his conviction in February this year as the leader of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) for grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl, resulting in a 32-year prison sentence. 

Kamarainba and his co-accused, Marion Aruni, who is reportedly the girl’s aunt, were both found guilty on eight counts, despite their denials.

The decision to grant bail to Kamarainba follows closely on the heels of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) debunking a viral social media post claiming his death. However, he has been in critical health condition, which has prevented him from attending most of the court hearings.