Monrovia – FrontPage Africa has realized that former Minister of Overseas Affairs Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, former Deputy Overseas Minister Thelma Duncan Sawyer, and former Basic Companies Company (GSA) Director-Basic Mary T. Broh, together with a number of former officers of the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Company (NDMA), are anticipated to be launched from detention on their very own recognizance with human surety.
This implies the accused can be launched primarily based on the court docket’s belief that they are going to adjust to the phrases of their launch, with out the necessity to put up a money bond. Nonetheless, a human surety—a person appearing as a guarantor—will vouch for his or her look in court docket and adherence to any imposed situations.
The officers have been detained following their arrest on Thursday in reference to the alleged misappropriation of 29,412 luggage of rice, valued at US$425,918. The rice was donated to Liberia in April 2023 by the King Salman Humanitarian Assist and Aid Centre for distribution to disaster-affected communities. Investigators allege that the consignment was diverted “for private and political advantages.”
Though such a launch is uncommon in high-profile instances, it’s permitted when the court docket deems the accused to not be a flight danger or a menace to public security.
A human surety is somebody who personally ensures the accused’s court docket appearances. Ought to the accused fail to conform, the surety could face penalties, together with fines or imprisonment, relying on the court docket’s ruling.
It’s not but clear how lots of the detained officers can be granted launch, but when confirmed, the choice is anticipated to deliver reduction to their households and supporters.