There have been wild rumours for some weeks about the health of war crimes indictee chief Hinga Norman. These rumours reached alarming proportions over the weekend, prompting the press release below:
FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
The family of former Regent Chief and leader of the Sierra Leone Civil
Defence Forces, Chief Sam Hinga Norman (photo), wishes to inform the public
that rumours circulating in Freetown that the chief has
passed away are entirely false. It is also not true that the chief’s
health condition at present, though serious, is life threatening as
previously reported. Mr. Norman has beeen examined by competent
medical authorities and both the family and Mr. Norman’s legal advisers
are clearly aware of the extent of his ilness which is related to
injuries he incurred during his arrest and transfer to Bonthe Island on
10 March 2003 on orders from the so-called special court for Sierra
Leone.
The family is also aware that a decision to transfer Mr. Norman to a
medical facility outside Sierra Leone for medical treatment has been
made although his destination is as yet unknown. While the family
appreciates the widespread public interest in Mr. Norman’s health and
welfare, they kindly appeal to friends and supporters as well as news
media to refrain from initiating or perpetuating rumours which are
bound to cause panic or undue hardship on the family, the general
public as well as Mr. Norman himself.
It isl regretable that the telephone situation at the Detention Center
is still too unreliable and restrictive for direct outside
communications with Chief Norman. However, we assure the public,
friends and well wishers that should there be any significant
development in the health and well-being of Chief Norman, the public
will be duly informed.
We are also informed that following a meeting between Counsel for Mr.
Norman, Dr. Bubuakei Jabbi, and Principal Defender, Vincent O.
Nmehielle, an official statement regarding Mr. Norman’s health and
well-being will be issued shortly. Further inquries can be directed to
Dr. Jabbi or Mr. Nmehielle in Freetown.
Rev. Alfred Munda SamForay
For & On Behalf of:
Chief Sam Hinga Norman & Family,
The Hinga Norman-CDF Defence Fund
& The Sierra Leone Working Group.
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