The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has discharged opposition lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, following his detention for contempt of court during proceedings on proposed constitutional amendments.
The development comes after Kamara was ordered detained at Pademba Road Correctional Centre on Thursday, October 8, following a dispute with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda over remarks he made during the hearing of constitutional references concerning the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice emphasised the importance of respecting the judiciary and maintaining proper conduct in court, warning that public commentary and interruptions should not undermine the authority and integrity of judicial institutions.
The Court also stressed the need for lawyers to uphold professional standards, respect judicial decisions and ensure that cases are handled efficiently and in accordance with the law.
Kamara, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, had apologised to the Court over the remarks that triggered the confrontation. However, the Chief Justice initially rejected his apology as inadequate and ordered him to remove his lawyer’s wig and enter the dock before he was taken into custody.
The incident attracted calls from opposition lawmakers, former government ministers and legal professionals for the Court to reconsider Kamara’s detention.
On October 12, the African Bar Association also appealed for his release, while other groups raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the contempt proceedings.
Kamara was representing the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in consolidated constitutional cases challenging aspects of the proposed constitutional amendments.
The substantive cases concern the interpretation and application of Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution, including whether Parliament met the required constitutional threshold when passing the amendment legislation.
The constitutional proceedings remain separate from the contempt matter involving Kamara.