Three members of the defense team in the ongoing jury tampering investigation publicly clashed on Friday as an independent probe into the allegations continued behind closed doors.
The disagreement erupted in front of journalists when Cllr. Micah Wilkins Wright sharply criticized fellow defense lawyers Cllr. Arthur Johnson and Cllr. Norris Tweah over their opposition to the investigation.
“I hate stupid people. If a lawyer commits a crime, for example by bribing jurors in a case, he or she must be investigated. And, if found guilty, he or she must go to jail,” Cllr. Wright said angrily. “This is just an act of showing off. If this continues, I wouldn’t be a part.”
However, Cllr. Johnson and Cllr. Tweah argued that the court lacks the legal authority and jurisdiction to investigate them for alleged jury tampering.
“The matter should follow a different legal path and not be handled in its current form. This is a witch-hunt,” Cllr. Johnson stated.
The tense exchange highlighted growing divisions within the defense team as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet disclosed details of the closed-door proceedings or whether formal charges could emerge from the probe.
The alleged jury tampering matter has attracted significant public attention due to its potential implications for the integrity of Liberia’s judicial system.
