Monrovia – Stunning revelations from an impartial medical report have thrown the Capitol Arson trial into deeper controversy, with findings strongly suggesting that three defendants — Eric Susay, Thomas Etheridge, and Jerry Pokah — have been subjected to torture whereas in state custody.
By Willie N. Tokpah – [email protected]
The report, compiled underneath the Istanbul Protocol, the UN’s gold customary for documenting torture, was performed by Dr. Philip Zochonis Eire, Senior Doctor and Medical Director at AMI Medical Healthcare Heart. His conclusion: the defendants’ bodily and psychological circumstances are “extremely in line with allegations of torture.”
From JFK Rejection to Unbiased Assessment
The findings adopted a protection movement for impartial medical examinations after repeated issues in regards to the therapy of the accused in detention. Initially, the federal government proposed assessments at John F. Kennedy Medical Heart (JFK), however protection legal professionals rejected the thought, citing potential bias. As an alternative, the court docket authorised AMI Medical Healthcare Heart as a impartial facility.
The AMI report, finalized on September 16, is predicated on complete bodily and psychological evaluations performed consistent with UN requirements.
Key Findings
Eric Susay (40) reported being blindfolded for 2 days and overwhelmed with handcuffs and firearms. Medical doctors confirmed power dislocation of the left shoulder (X-ray verified), numbness and ache in the appropriate arm, irregular coronary heart rhythm and signs of PTSD together with nervousness, hypervigilance, and emotional misery
Dr. Eire concluded: “The irregular cardiac rhythm, historical past of blunt trauma, and ongoing psychological manifestations are extremely in line with sustained torture and ill-treatment.”
For Thomas Etheridge, the report really helpful pressing psychiatric remedy for PTSD, ophthalmology overview for blurred imaginative and prescient within the left eye, and orthopedic evaluation for a dislocated shoulder.
On Jerry Pokah, the report confirmed pores and skin lesions on the wrist, finger, and higher arm in line with blunt trauma, with psychological findings additional corroborating torture claims. Referrals included psychiatric care, ophthalmology, cardiology, and vascular analysis.
Courtroom Affect
The report will weigh closely in Presiding Decide Roosevelt Z. Willie’s anticipated ruling on September 24 concerning a protection movement to suppress statements allegedly obtained underneath torture.
Protection legal professionals insist the proof discredits confessions utilized by prosecutors.
“This isn’t simply in regards to the Capitol Arson case anymore; it’s about primary human rights and the rule of legislation,” one protection legal professional informed FrontPageAfrica. “No proof obtained by way of torture may be allowed in a good trial.”
Broader Implications
Attorneys say if Decide Willie excludes the contested statements, the prosecution’s case might be severely weakened and broader scrutiny could fall on the conduct of Liberia’s safety forces.
Authorized observers say the case may set an essential precedent for the way Liberia handles torture allegations in detention and will power stronger judicial and human rights safeguards.
The report additionally requires speedy orthopedic, cardiology, neurology, and psychological look after the defendants, together with strict preservation of medical proof to be used in court docket or worldwide human rights proceedings.
Authorities Silent So Far
As of press time, the Ministry of Justice and Workplace of Nationwide Safety had not responded to the findings. Officers have beforehand denied torture claims, insisting detainees are handled consistent with Liberian and worldwide legislation.
However with a UN-standard medical report now on the file, strain is mounting on the judiciary to handle the claims and probably reshape the trajectory of one in all Liberia’s most intently watched trials.
