MONROVIA-Trial of the politically charged Capitol Constructing case is predicted to renew at present Friday September 26, 2025 at Legal Courtroom “C” on the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
Jurors are set to resolve on the admissibility and weight of contested proof. Protection legal professionals have pledged to attraction to the Supreme Courtroom via a writ of certiorari, elevating the prospect of additional delays.
On Wednesday, Legal Courtroom ‘A’ Decide Roosevelt Z. Willie rejected a movement by protection legal professionals looking for to suppress proof within the Capitol Constructing arson trial. The courtroom dominated that medical reviews supplied by the protection have been inconclusive to assist claims of torture and sodomy.
The case entails former Home Speaker Jonathan Fonati Kofa, Representatives Dixon Seboe, Jacob Dabee, Abu B. Kamara and a number of other different high-profile figures. They have been indicted in late 2024 on costs of arson, felony conspiracy, solicitation and facilitation, stemming from a hearth that gutted elements of the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024.
In his ruling, Willie stated reviews from AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, submitted by Dr. Philip Zochonis Eire, have been hampered by a number of limitations. These included the defendants’ revocation of consent for genital and anal exams, the time lapse between the alleged abuse and the medical checks, and the restricted diagnostic instruments accessible in Liberia.
Whereas scars and different marks have been famous on some defendants, Willie stated the findings might have resulted from unrelated circumstances. He additionally identified that the defendants themselves denied sodomy allegations through the examinations, undermining their claims.
“Whereas we acknowledge and admire the skilled effort of Dr. Eire,” Willie stated, “the account was not conclusive sufficient to allow us to make the knowledgeable choice essential to suppress the proof.”
Protection legal professionals argued that statements from the accused have been obtained below duress. However Willie cited courtroom information displaying the defendants have been represented by counsel throughout questioning, with constitutional ensures to stay silent.
“No proof has been offered to indicate that their rights have been violated or that confessions have been coerced,” he stated, including that the jury ought to decide the credibility of the allegations.
The protection additionally questioned the position of the Nationwide Safety Company and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Firm within the investigation. Willie dismissed the declare, citing the 2011 Nationwide Safety Reform and Intelligence Act, which permits cooperation amongst safety businesses.
He additional dominated {that a} writ authorizing the seizure of 72 cell phones was legally obtained and executed by the Liberia Nationwide Police in December 2024.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny due to the harm to the Capitol and the prominence of the accused. Rights teams and opposition figures have raised considerations about politically motivated prosecutions and detainee therapy.
Liberia, with a historical past of contested trials and political violence, faces renewed strain to show judicial independence. Willie stated the state stays sure by each home legislation and worldwide covenants to uphold the dignity of detainees.
The trial is scheduled to renew at present Friday with jurors set to resolve on the admissibility and weight of contested proof.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been within the career for over twenty years. He has labored for a lot of worldwide media retailers together with: West Africa Journal, Africa Week Journal, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Occasions, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He’s the present correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in Worldwide Relations and a candidate for second grasp in Worldwide Peace research and Battle Decision from the College of Liberia.
