Public issues are mounting right here over delay by the Authorities of Liberia to come back out with complete findings into final December fireplace incident on the Capitol Constructing in Monrovia, as nervousness and suspense linger right here.
Monrovia, Liberia, June 5, 2025 – Regardless of bringing in fireplace specialists from the US to help with investigation into the December 18, 2024, arson assault on the Capitol Constructing, the Liberian authorities is but to deliver to a closure the assault that inflicted in depth injury to the house of the Liberian Legislature, together with destruction of the Joint Chambers and the enduring dome, disrupting legislative actions for almost a month.
Instantly following the incident in December 2024, the Liberia Nationwide Police charged and despatched to court docket a number of people in reference to the assault, alleging a conspiracy to destabilize the state.
In an interview, Police Inspector Basic Gregory Coleman clarified: “The U.S. fireplace specialists’ position is to evaluate the injury and help within the ongoing investigation into the Capitol Constructing fireplace, relatively than conducting an unbiased inquiry.”
The U.S. specialists, together with a hearth chief, started their evaluation, working intently with the Liberian Nationwide Police (LNP) and the Liberia Nationwide Hearth and Rescue Service (LNFRS). Their collaboration sought to offer a complete evaluation of the incident, guaranteeing a radical and clear investigation.
IG Coleman disclosed on the time {that a} joint press convention was to be held upon completion of the evaluation to replace the general public on findings and any additional steps within the investigation.
Nonetheless, since March this 12 months as much as current, the federal government appears to have swept the matter underneath the carpet, as nothing a lot seems to be taking place relative to the incident.
Notably, the investigation had raised issues in regards to the attainable involvement of distinguished figures, together with Montserrado County Consultant Dixon Seboe, who allegedly supplied monetary help to suspects previous to the assault. Moreover, former Home Speaker Fonati Koffa lower brief a medical journey to handle being named an individual of curiosity within the case.
The collaboration with the U.S. fireplace specialists, who left Liberia after their work, underscored the Liberian authorities’ dedication to a radical and clear investigation, aiming to deliver all accountable events to justice.
On February 25, 2025, the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom decided that enough proof exists to proceed to trial towards defendants Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay within the Capitol Constructing arson case. Stipendiary Justice of the Peace L. Ben Barco dominated that the prosecution established a prima facie case, requiring the defendants to reply to the costs in a better court docket.
The defendants are accused of conspiring to set fireplace to the Capitol Constructing on December 18, 2024, leading to over US$8 million in damages. Testimonies point out they allegedly bought gasoline to ignite the blaze, disrupting legislative classes. Moreover, they’re charged with assaulting a police officer through the incident, leaving him unconscious and stealing his firearm.
Justice of the Peace Barco highlighted that proof collected from the crime scene and digital gadgets linked to the defendants helps the prosecution’s case. He emphasised that until successfully rebutted, this proof stands as factual.
Following this ruling, the court docket ordered the case data and the defendants to be transferred to the First Judicial Circuit, Felony Courtroom “A” on the Temple of Justice for additional proceedings. Enhancing by Jonathan Browne
