RSCSL Decides Gbao is Eligible for Consideration for Early Release [1]
On January 10, 2020, the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone decided [3] that Augustine Gbao is eligible for consideration for early release from prison. Mr. Gbao was convicted on fourteen counts of crimes against humanity by the Court on March 2, 2009, and sentenced to twenty-five years of imprisonment on April 8, 2009. As of December 16, 2009, Mr. Gbao had served two-thirds of his sentence. The relevant Practice Direction [4] permits consideration for early release if certain conditions are fulfilled. This includes, for example, successfully completing prison programs, demonstrating that he is not a danger to the public, and complying with the terms of his imprisonment. In light of its determination that Mr. Gbao has fulfilled those conditions and other evidence concerning his case (e.g., his written public apology of October 23, 2019), the Court granted his application for consideration for early release.