Former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott has been granted compassionate leave from the Monrovia Central Prison.
This decision, issued by the Ministry of Justice, aligns with Chapter 34.20 of Liberia’s criminal procedure law, which permits compassionate leave under specific conditions.
Former Chief Justice Scott sought leave to manage an inventory at her recently burglarized property.
The Justice Minister’s approval permits her temporary release from incarceration to address her urgent personal matter.
Compassionate leave regulations typically cover situations such as visiting seriously ill relatives, attending funerals, or other compelling personal reasons that evoke strong empathy.
Chapter 34.20 specifies, “The Minister of Justice shall formulate rules or regulations governing compassionate leave from institutions and, in accordance with such rules and regulations, may permit any prisoner to leave his institution for short periods, either by himself or in the custody of an officer, to visit a close relative who is seriously ill, to attend the funeral of a close relative, to return to his home during what appears to be his own last illness, or to return to his home for other compelling reasons which strongly appeal to compassion.” The provisions also allow for the reimbursement of leave-related expenses, which may be borne by the prisoner or their representatives.
The decision comes in the wake of a highly publicized legal battle. On December 21, 2023, a jury unanimously convicted Cllr. Scott, along with her family members Alice C. Johnson, Gertrude Newtown, and Rebecca Wisner, of murder, criminal conspiracy, and making false statements to law enforcement. Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court A subsequently handed down a life sentence to the former Chief Justice and her co-defendants.
This sentencing followed the tragic incident on February 22, 2023, where Charloe Musu, Scott’s 29-year-old niece, was killed at her home in Brewerville.
Despite the conviction, Scott has steadfastly maintained her innocence, asserting that her niece was murdered by an intruder. This claim and her prominent role in Liberia’s legal and political spheres intensified public and media scrutiny surrounding her case.
Scott’s arrest shocked many Liberians, especially given its proximity to the December presidential election.
As a key figure in President-elect Joseph Boakai’s political party and a significant player in a high-profile legal challenge against the election commission, her involvement in the trial drew widespread attention.
Scott’s distinguished career includes serving as Liberia’s justice minister and as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court until her retirement in 2003.
She later transitioned into politics, representing Maryland County in the legislature until 2012. In that year, she was appointed chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, a role in which she contributed to efforts to enhance Liberia’s democratic governance.
Following the jury’s verdict, the prosecution lauded the outcome, citing compelling evidence that, in their view, justified the conviction.
The trial and its aftermath remain pivotal moments in Liberian legal and political history, reflecting ongoing challenges and complexities within the nation’s justice system.
