President Ernest Bai Koroma has been hailed by many international organizations for the non-usage of the death penalty in the laws of Sierra Leone. The recent verdict by the High Court of Sierra Leone has created mixed-feelings across the globe.

In Sierra Leone, many believe the verdict was a form of justice to the culprits, but from organizations fighting for the protection of human rights, the verdict was a bad precedent set by the High Court of Sierra Leone. President Koroma is on record saying the law is yet to be expelled but it has not been used.

President Koroma’s human right record has been tainted by that verdict. Could it mean that was a deliberate attempt by the High Court to taint the President’s human right track record?

Could it mean that the Campaign of Amnesty International has not been countenance by the Sierra Leone Community?

Was the verdict meant to serve as a deterrent to murderers? I cannot say beyond.