Liberia’s Chief Justice Sie-Nyene Yuoh on Wednesday morning ordered court sheriffs to remove party litigants from the premises of the Temple of Justice, despite a heavy downpour.
The decision, executed swiftly and without regard for the inclement weather, left many individuals drenched and sparked widespread concern about the treatment of those seeking justice.
Eyewitnesses reported that the removal was unyielding, with court officers showing no consideration for the adverse weather conditions. This incident raises important questions about the balance between court protocol and humane treatment of citizens.
This is not the first time Chief Justice Yuoh has ordered court sheriffs to expel party litigants from the courtyard. She has consistently stated that the courtyard is not a waiting area. During the incident, she was heard exclaiming, “Put them outside. Whether it’s rainy or not, push them outside. This is not a waiting area,” emphasizing her stance on the issue.
Chief Justice Yuoh also reprimanded the court sheriffs and bailiffs, directing her complaints to the Chief Security of the Judiciary. She criticized the officers for their reluctance to enforce her ‘no standing and waiting’ directive, which is not a formal judicial order.
Following her instructions, court officers began rigorously implementing the directive, forcing lawyers and party litigants to leave the corridor leading to the Monrovia City Court. This action sparked outrage among those who were waiting for their hearings.
Since assuming her role as head of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Yuoh has maintained a strict policy against allowing individuals to sit in the courtyard when their cases are not ready or if they have no business at the court. The Monrovia City Court, the court of first instance, has a seating capacity for only twenty people and lacks a designated waiting area for litigants.
Many of the drenched litigants lamented the Chief Justice’s actions, accusing her of abusing her power. “If the rain is good for us, why didn’t she stand under it? Is she better than us?” questioned one party litigant. Another noted, “She should remember that we gave her the power because we, as citizens, voted for the president who appointed her.”
The incident also sparked gender-based criticism, with one male in the crowd shouting, “Why are women always authoritative when they hold public office?”
The actions of Chief Justice Yuoh have ignited a debate about the humane treatment of individuals in the judicial process, highlighting the need for more accommodating facilities and procedures at the Temple of Justice. As the controversy continues to unfold, many are calling for a review of the policies governing the use of court premises and the treatment of those seeking justice.
By: Watson Richards
