Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ is facing mounting criticism from after imposing what defense counsels described “unusually strict” bail conditions on the human sureties of several defendants linked to the recent fire at the Capitol Building.
Defense attorneys representing the accused, Thomas Etheridge, Christian Nyanti, and Christian Koffa-have strongly objected to what they describe as excessive and unjustified restrictions.
They argue that the conditions violate fundamental principles of judicial fairness and due process.
In response to the charges, the defense team submitted a bond valued at six million Liberian dollars.
However, Judge Willie has mandated that each defendant must present four human sureties, each with verifiable proof of property ownership, something which, defense counsels believe is an unprecedented move that doubles the traditionally required two sureties.
This unexpected escalation has sparked concern among legal practitioners and members of the public, many of whom are questioning the legal basis and motivation behind the judge’s decision.
The defendants, since their arrest, have consistently denied any involvement in the Capitol fire, maintaining their innocence and distancing themselves from any alleged conspiracy.
Given the politically sensitive nature of the case, calls for greater transparency from the prosecution have intensified, particularly regarding the evidence used to justify the restrictive bail conditions.
Defense lawyers argue that the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is being compromised.
They assert that the bail terms appear more punitive than precautionary, effectively punishing the accused before any conviction.
With the case scheduled for the August Term of Criminal Court ‘A’, legal observers anticipate a heated courtroom battle over the constitutionality and fairness of the imposed bail requirements.
The outcome may not only impact the fate of the defendants but also set a precedent for how politically sensitive cases are handled within Liberia’s justice system.
