The long-awaited medical report confirming allegations of torture towards six defendants within the high-profile Capitol Arson case has been abruptly delayed, sparking widespread concern over attainable authorities interference and makes an attempt to suppress damning proof.
In keeping with insider sources, the Authorities of Liberia has ordered a second spherical of medical examinations for the defendants on the AMI Medical Healthcare Heart, reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with the preliminary findings. This transfer has heightened suspicion amongst authorized consultants and most of the people, as the unique report allegedly confirmed that the accused had been tortured whereas in state custody.
The report was scheduled to be offered in open courtroom on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Nonetheless, because of a sudden schedule change, Legal Court docket “A” postponed the listening to to Wednesday, September 24. No official purpose has been given, leaving many to query whether or not political motivations are at play.
Alleged Torture Confirmed, However Authorities Seeks New Report.
In keeping with Sources it has been confirmed that the preliminary medical report concluded that the defendants suffered accidents in line with torture, and warned that with out quick medical intervention, a few of them danger long-term well being problems—and even loss of life.
The findings help the protection’s declare that their purchasers had been severely overwhelmed, subjected to inhumane therapy, and compelled to admit underneath duress whereas within the custody of the Nationwide Safety Company (NSA) and the Liberia Nationwide Police.
Nonetheless, sources say stories now recommend that authorities officers are pressuring AMI medical doctors to revise their conclusions. “There may be speak of behind-the-scenes negotiations with the medical group to change or soften the findings,” one supply revealed on situation of anonymity.
On September 5, 2025, protection legal professionals filed a movement to suppress all proof, together with confessions allegedly obtained via torture. They demanded an unbiased medical examination to confirm the reason for the accidents, disputing the federal government’s declare that the injuries had been both self-inflicted or unrelated to detention situations.
Underneath Liberian legislation, in addition to worldwide treaties to which the nation is a signatory, torture is strictly prohibited. Article 21(g) of the 1986 Structure states that no individual shall be topic to torture or inhumane therapy whereas in custody. The Penal Legislation (Part 14.50) additionally criminalizes torture, and any proof obtained via coercion is inadmissible in courtroom.
But regardless of these authorized safeguards, considerations persist that justice could also be derailed.
Although initially against the choice of AMI because the medical supplier, citing its contractual ties to the federal government, protection attorneys had been vindicated when the power confirmed indicators of torture. Nonetheless, they argue that any establishment underneath authorities affect can’t be trusted in a case the place the state itself is the accused.
Protection counsel cited the case of co-defendant Thomas Etheridge, who collapsed shortly after allegedly being overwhelmed right into a confession. He was rushed to AMI, the place medical doctors attributed his situation to malaria a analysis the protection says demonstrates the sort of medical whitewashing they worry is going on once more.
“That is precisely why we insisted on an unbiased medical facility from the start,” one protection lawyer famous”.
The postponement of the report’s presentation has stirred rising unease among the many public, with many questioning whether or not justice can really prevail in a case riddled with allegations of torture and state cover-up.
“Why delay the report? Why ask for a brand new examination? Why stress medical doctors? These will not be the actions of a authorities dedicated to justice,” mentioned one authorized analyst in Monrovia.
Because the trial progresses, observers say the case is now not nearly arson or a legal cost, it’s a take a look at of Liberia’s dedication to human rights, constitutional ensures, and the rule of legislation.
The Structure of Liberia (1986), Article 21(g): Prohibits torture and self-incrimination. The Penal Legislation Part 14.50: Criminalizes torture by public officers Worldwide Treaties: Liberia is a signatory to the UN Conference Towards Torture and the Worldwide Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
