The first accused in the alleged coup attempt of November 26, Amadu Koita Makolo, is facing inhumane treatment in detention, according to his defense lawyer, Counsel Sigismond Center.
He told the Presiding Judge Justice Kamanda that his client is locked up in a dark and unsanitary room, with limited access to water and toilet facilities. He said his client is only allowed to come out of his cell for 30 minutes after 23 hours, and has to use a bucket of water on a stool to clean himself.
He also said his client is isolated from other visitors, which he claimed is a breach of his human rights as guaranteed by section 20 of the Sierra Leone 1991 constitution. Amadu Koita is one of the 12 people charged with treason and other crimes for their alleged involvement in the coup plot, according to a government news release.