Monrovia – The Nationwide Chairman of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Janga Kowo, was on Monday denied entry to the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the place the trial of former Home Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and 4 different lawmakers is underway.
By Obediah Johnson
The Temple of Justice compound, which homes the Supreme Courtroom and a number of other different courts together with the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom, was below heavy safety as state safety forces enforced strict entry management in anticipation of political tensions surrounding the trial.
Kowo, carrying a blue swimsuit, arrived in a pink Wrangler automobile and advised officers on the gate that he was there to point out solidarity with the accused lawmakers and observe the court docket proceedings. Nonetheless, officers from the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) blocked his entry, forming a shielded barrier on the entrance.
No official clarification was given for the denial.
Chatting with FrontPage Africa, Kowo stated the motion by the officers amounted to a violation of his rights. “This can be a public facility and I got here right here together with my Political Chief to point out solidarity to our lawmakers, however my rights are being violated,” he stated. “I’m leaving now and can observe my Political Chief; he’s already coming outdoors.”
Kowo briefly posed for images on the scene earlier than departing with out incident.
The incident comes simply two days after Kowo was allegedly assaulted and arrested by police close to the Monrovia Central Jail, the place Koffa and three different lawmakers had been being held. On the time, Kowo and different CDC supporters had assembled peacefully in protest of the arrests.
On Monday, after leaving the Temple of Justice, Kowo rejoined the convoy of CDC Political Chief and former President George Weah, who had additionally come to point out assist for the defendants.
Safety on Capitol Hill was considerably elevated as a result of high-profile nature of the continued case. The lawmakers are going through fees stemming from the December 18, 2023, fireplace that destroyed the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Constructing, the official seat of the Liberian Legislature.
The Liberia Nationwide Police and the Liberia Nationwide Hearth Service concluded that the fireplace was brought on by arson. Consequently, Representatives J. Fonati Koffa (Grand Kru District 2), Abu B. Kamara (Montserrado District 15), Dixon Seboe (Montserrado District #16), Priscilla Cooper (Montserrado District 5), and Jacob Debee (Grand Gedeh District 3) had been charged with arson, prison facilitation, and prison conspiracy.
4 of the lawmakers had been detained for 2 nights on the Monrovia Central Jail. Consultant Priscilla Cooper, of the ruling Unity Get together, was launched to her lawyer as a result of medical considerations.
