U.S. holds African man indefinately, despite lack of evidence.
U.S. immigration officials are holding a former military officer of Sierra Leone’s government on war crimes charges for cooperating in the deaths of 29 dissenters there. Samuel Komba Kamba, 39, was detained following a green card interview in Texas that he attended with his wife. Kambo was twice released on bond for similar charges and a judge ruled that there is not sufficient evidence to deport Kambo back to Sierra Leone. The government of Sierra Leone claims they have no interest in his deportation. The nature of his charges, however, do not afford Kambo the right to legal counsel and he remains in jail today.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say Kambo was involved in the 29 executions of political dissenters. A post-Sept. 11, 2001, detention law gives immigration authorities the power to hold immigrants in custody during the appeals process. Immigration cases are civil and therefore make legal counsel unavailable to immigrants. Being released on bond also is hindered. Immigration lawyers say that the appeals process can go on indefinitely while Kambo remains in jail.
U.S. State Department officials cite evidence of military officers uncovering a coup to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone. 29 suspects were rounded up and summarily executed. Kambo does not deny being a member of the military government that overthrew the previous government in 1992, claiming it was not adequately providing weapons and munitions to defend against attacks from rebels sponsored by Charles Taylor’s Liberia. Taylor faces charges of crimes against humanity at The Hauge, Netherlands, for his atrocities in the diamond rich area.
State Department officials cite an unnamed source stating that Kambo approved the executions and later assisted in carrying them out. The testimony of the single witness called to trial was deemed “riddled with implausibility.” He is not wanted for war crimes in Sierra Leone and a U.S. immigration judge ruled there is no evidence it can use to prosecute him.
Immigration officials held 273 immigrants in custody while undergoing deportation hearings despite orders of their release on bond. Guilty or no, immigrants can be released if they agree to the deportation charges. Otherwise, they may remain in jail indefinitely.