Sierra Leone opposition leader released on bail

After three nights in detention, the Sierra Leone police on Monday released on bail opposition politician Charles Francis Margai.

He was detained after an argument with the president Koroma’s family over a disputed land after he made comments that police said were “subversive” and threatened state security.

Mr Margai accused First Lady Sia Nyama Koroma of hiring ‘thugs’ to destroy the fence on his land, which she also lays claim over.

In the ensuing verbal exchanges, the Ministry of Land issued a statement claiming government ownership of the land.

But this claim was disputed by a former Land minister, who corroborated Margai`s claim on the land.

In a press conference last week, the veteran opposition politician openly criticised the police saying he did not have confidence in them. He also said he would seek private security if he found it necessary.

 Pleading for mercy

The lawyer cum politician was also accused of making threatening remarks against the president when he said he wasn’t sure if President Koroma would complete his final term in office.

Police spokesman Ebrahim Samura said they were taking the comments very seriously.

“Nobody took Charles Taylor seriously when he threatened this country in 1991 but he showed us he was not joking and we indeed tasted the bitterness of war.”

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