The Assigned Circuit Judge of Criminal Court ‘C’ has denied a motion for severance and separate trial filed by former National Security Adviser to ex-President George M. Weah, Mr. Jefferson Karmon.
The court ruled that he failed to present sufficient legal grounds to justify being tried separately from his co-defendants in a major economic crimes case.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Ousman F. Feika, means that Karmon will remain on trial alongside several co-accused, including former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and other former senior officials.
They are charged with Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, Money Laundering, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Conspiracy.
Court Finds No Demonstrated Prejudice
In his motion, Karmon argued that his defense was “distinct and different” from those of his co-defendants and that a joint trial would prejudice his right to a fair hearing.
The government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice opposed the motion, describing it as moot and untimely, noting that jury selection had already commenced.
After reviewing the records, the court stated:
“The movant has miserably neglected to specify how he will be prejudiced if he is tried with the other defendants.”
The court further noted that the application was filed too late in the proceedings:
“Jury selection commenced on March 3, 2025… three days before the filing of movant’s motion for severance and separate trial.”
Legal Standard Requires “Good Cause”
Citing Section 16.10 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, the court reaffirmed that severance is not automatic and depends on demonstrated prejudice.
The ruling referenced established precedent:
“The granting or denial of a motion for severance rests in the discretion of the trial court… separate trials will ordinarily be granted only when the court in its opinion sees good cause.” — Horace et al. v. Republic, 16 LLR 341 (1958)
The court found that the defendants are alleged to have acted “in concert,” making a joint trial appropriate for judicial efficiency and evidentiary consistency.
Defense Failed to Meet Burden of Proof
Judge Feika held that mere allegations of prejudice were insufficient, stating:
“Mere allegation does not constitute proof; and the burden of proof rests upon the party who alleges a fact.”
The court also noted that Karmon had not raised the issue of a separate trial during earlier pre-trial proceedings and had shared legal representation with co-defendants at earlier stages of the case.
Motion Dismissed, Trial to Proceed
Concluding the ruling, the court stated:
“The motion is denied in the interest of justice and substantive law… and this matter is ordered to proceed in accordance with law.”
With this decision, the high-profile trial involving former officials of the Weah administration is expected to continue jointly, marking a significant development in one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption-related prosecutions in recent years.
