MONROVIA- State Prosecutors have unleashed a triple indictment in opposition to a person accused of plugging a SUV right into a Unity Get together (UP) crowd throughout a rally in 2023, killing three and injuring almost thirty others.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The grand jury sitting in Montserrado County handed down the damning three-count indictment in opposition to Lawrence Ok. Williams, accused of unleashing carnage on jubilant partisans of the UP throughout its post-election rally on November 20, 2023, in Central Monrovia, in what prosecutors now describe as a “premeditated, vehicular bloodbath.”
Williams has been formally indicted on the fees of Homicide, Aggravated Assault and Felony Try and Commit Homicide, all felonies of the primary and second diploma, for what the Ministry of Justice is asking one of the crucial brutal, calculated, and politically tainted acts of violence in Liberia’s current historical past.
In keeping with the indictment obtained by FrontPageAfrica, the incident occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Broad Road, outdoors the UP’s Nationwide Headquarters, the place tons of had gathered to rejoice the outcomes of the 2023 Presidential Runoff Election, which had simply been declared in favor of the UP’s candidate
The Night time Of Blood, Darkness, Celebration, And Then A Crash
On the evening of November 20, 2023, jubilant UP partisans stuffed Broad Road, chanting, dancing and waving flags.
The environment was electrified by victory, however that pleasure changed into horror when, based on police investigators, an unmarked gray Hyundai SUV approached from the Gargar aspect, parked in entrance of UBA and Worldwide Financial institution and switched off its headlights.
For 30 minutes, the motive force, now recognized as Lawrence Ok. Williams, sat within the darkness, watching the gang.
Then, with out warning, the indictment added, he revved the engine, swung open the passenger doorways, and with extreme and lethal velocity, rammed immediately into the gang of partisans, killing Peter Grey, Mariama Kromah, and Varney Suleiman, and inflicting grievous bodily hurt on 29 others.
Escape and Arrest
After mowing by means of the gang, the motive force reportedly deserted the car, mounted a motorcycle, and fled the scene. However legislation enforcement companies, appearing on witness testimonies and surveillance information, apprehended Williams days later, linking him to the lethal rampage.
The Liberia Nationwide Police’s Crime In opposition to Individuals Division led the investigation, which prosecutors say has produced overwhelming proof of felony intent, planning, and execution.
Lots of the survivors stay completely injured. A number of are reported to have misplaced limb perform and others proceed to bear long-term rehabilitation.
The victims vary from college college students and avenue distributors to occasion volunteers, a lot of them younger men and women of their early 20s.
The indictment lists 29 injured individuals, together with,
Bundu Kelley, 25, Feminine,
Enoch Kollie, 20, Male, Zanah Massaquoi, 18, Feminine, Anthony Ballah, 18, Male, Kolobalee F. Akoi, 31, Male, Favour Moore, Eve Moore, Mama Nyeleker, and others, every described as having suffered “extreme bodily wounds.”
No Affirmative Protection
The Grand Jury emphasised that Defendant Williams has no affirmative protection.
In keeping with Liberia Penal Regulation, Part 14.1 and Part 10.1, the acts of homicide and tried homicide require proof of intent, which prosecutors say Williams demonstrated by means of.
In its cautious remark of victims earlier than the assault, the Grand Jury thought-about the deliberate disabling of headlights and calculated escape, all displaying malice aforethought and acutely aware decision-making.
A Courtroom Showdown Awaits
Decide Wesseh Alphansus Wesseh Sr., Assigned Circuit Decide of the First Judicial Circuit Felony Assizes “B”, is ready to preside over the case, which has now been formally assigned for listening to on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 A.M. on the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
The prosecution can be led by the Workplace of the County Legal professional, whereas Williams is anticipated to be represented by the Public Protection Workplace.
“This case will check the Liberian Judiciary’s Capability to ship justice in politically delicate, emotionally charged and legally advanced issues,” one authorized observer advised FPA on situation of anonymity.
Political Implications Loom Giant
Whereas prosecutors haven’t publicly linked the assault to a political motive, opposition figures and civil society activists have lengthy claimed that the assault was a part of a coordinated marketing campaign of intimidation and terror aimed on the UP and its supporters in the course of the tense 2023 Elections.
Human rights teams have renewed requires heightened election safety and safety of meeting rights, particularly as Liberia gears up for Presidential and Legislative Elections in 2029.
FrontPageAfrica can be following this case because it unfolds in courtroom this week.
