Monrovia – Resident Choose Roosevelt Z. Willie of Prison Courtroom “A” has come below rising scrutiny following his resolution to impose stringent bail situations on the sureties of a number of defendants accused within the Capitol arson and conspiracy case that has gripped nationwide consideration.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The case includes greater than a dozen defendants, together with Thomas Etheridge, Christian Nyanti, Christian Koffa, and others, who’re alleged to have participated in a violent plot to disrupt legislative features by way of arson, the usage of chemical brokers, and coordinated vandalism of public property.
Prosecutors declare that the group conspired to launch an assault in December 2024, citing audio recordings and a letter reportedly authored by co-defendant Kivi Bah. In accordance with the prosecution, the letter particulars a gathering held on December 17 close to Jallah City Highway, the place the group allegedly finalised plans for the assault, together with focusing on lawmakers and clashing with safety personnel.
In response to those critical allegations, Choose Willie has enforced heightened bail necessities.
Initially, on Monday, July 28, the court docket mandated two human sureties per defendant, every required to current legitimate Nationwide Identification Registry (NIR) playing cards.
Nevertheless, in a dramatic shift the next day, Choose Willie raised the bar, now requiring 4 sureties per defendant, along with proof of property possession.
The brand new situations apply to the defendants for whom a $6 million bond had already been filed by defence legal professionals, protecting co-defendants comparable to Kofa, Amos Kofa, Thomas Etheridge, Kivi Bah alias Kaba, Jerry Pokah alias Tyrese, Stephen M. Broh, John Nyanti, Endurance Bestman, Harrilyn Grace Johnson, Eric Susay, and others.
Defence attorneys have reacted sharply to the revised bail necessities, describing them as “excessively harsh” and doubtlessly unconstitutional.
“This displays not solely judicial overreach however raises critical questions on political interference in what’s already a extremely charged case,” stated one member of the defence crew, talking on situation of anonymity.
Courtroom observers say the shift in situations triggered delays in Tuesday’s proceedings, with a number of defendants and sureties left in limbo as a result of sudden modifications.
Nevertheless, judicial sources near the matter defended the court docket’s resolution, citing the intense nature of the alleged offences and the potential flight danger posed by the defendants.
“Given the planning, coordination, and use of harmful supplies concerned, the court docket is properly inside its rights to make sure strict accountability,” a supply accustomed to the case stated.
The case is scheduled to look on the docket for the August Time period of the Prison Courts, the place the defence is anticipated to formally problem the bail situations earlier than greater judicial authorities.
Because the authorized battle intensifies, the case is being carefully watched for its broader implications on authorized requirements for bail, due course of, and the dealing with of politically delicate prison fees in Liberia’s justice system.
