Six defendants currently on trial for arson and other serious charges have filed a formal motion before the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A” at the Temple of Justice, seeking an independent medical examination following allegations of torture and sodomy by state security agents.
The accused, Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac, Thomas Etheridge, and Stephen Broh — allege they were subjected to severe physical abuse while in the custody of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
In the motion submitted to the Court, presided over by His Honor Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, the defense, through their legal team from the International Law Group, claims that the torture occurred at NSA headquarters shortly after their arrest in connection with the Capitol Building arson case.
The charges include criminal conspiracy, intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and illegal possession of firearms, among others.
According to the motion, the defendants were allegedly subjected to severe beatings, water bolding, and bright flashing lights being directed into their eyes.
These acts, they claim, have led to blurred vision, painful urination, and symptoms consistent with urinary tract infections. More disturbingly, the motion hints at acts of sodomy, though details remain limited.
The defense argues that unless the defendants are urgently examined and treated by independent medical professionals, their conditions may deteriorate further, potentially becoming life-threatening.
They contend that the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, a government-run facility, is not sufficiently independent to provide an impartial examination.
The motion cites a memorandum of understanding between JFK and the Ministry of Justice for the treatment of pretrial detainees, alleging that this agreement creates a conflict of interest and a “pecuniary motive” that could bias medical findings in favor of the prosecution.
“This motion is filed solely for humanitarian reasons and not for any legal maneuvering,” the defense emphasized, adding that the defendants’ fundamental rights under the 1986 Constitution are being violated.
The motion was signed and submitted by Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi, lead counsel for the defense, in collaboration with Cllrs. Jantes Kumeh, Arthur T. Johnson, Momolu G. Kandakai, and M. Wilkins Wright.
Given the political sensitivity of the case and the serious nature of the charges, including the release of destructive forces and recklessly endangering another person, these new allegations have raised alarms among human rights organizations and legal observers.
As of press time, the Ministry of Justice had not issued a formal response to the motion or the allegations of torture and abuse.
The Court is expected to rule on the motion in the coming days.
