The International Justice Group (IJG) has expressed profound dismay and shame over allegations of malpractice and miscarriages of justice within the advocacy community, particularly targeting certain pseudo human rights organizations.
The IJG’s criticisms are aimed at groups such as the Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) of California, Civitas Maximas of Switzerland, and its African surrogate, the Global Justice Research Project (GJRP) of Liberia.
The IJG has raised serious concerns about the secretive methods these organizations use to locate, target, and recruit witnesses. The group questions whether these organizations provide adequate psychosocial services to alleged victims before, during, and after their testimonies, assuming they were real victims of war trauma.
The IJG argues that there is a glaring lack of credible, transparent recruitment processes or methodologies employed by these organizations.
Darius Tweh, an insider witness, has come forward to expose the alleged deceit. Tweh claims he was part of an elaborate scheme where witnesses were coached to fabricate testimonies according to scripts provided by these organizations. His revelations cast a dark shadow over the legitimacy of the evidence presented by these groups.
The IJG has highlighted several cases where individuals were falsely accused of war crimes based on misleading and false information presented by these human rights organizations, which are reportedly supported by U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack.
IJG reported that Laye Camara was falsely accused of war crimes in New Jersey. Investigations revealed that Camara was reported to prosecutors by Hassan Bility of GJRP because he refused to comply with Bility’s demands. The case, based on bogus affidavits, has been on hold for two years as the court awaits more evidence to sustain the false charges. Bility himself has been accused of lying on his U.S. visa documents about his criminal involvement and affiliation with warring factions during the Liberian civil war.
According to the institution, General Moses Wright faced false accusations of war crimes based on unverified testimonies from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) archives.
“Witnesses were recruited to embellish these testimonies in court. The defense exposed the falsehood, and the court demanded more information, which has yet to be provided after two years.”
The pro-advocacy organization indicated that one Varfley Dolleh was approached in New Jersey to provide false testimony against a war crime suspect.
When he refused to lie, he was threatened with immigration consequences and eventually deported to Liberia, despite committing no crime. This has indefinitely separated him from his family and ruined his career.
In the case of Agnes Reeves Taylor, IJG added that the former wife of President Charles Taylor, was accused of war crimes in the United Kingdom based on fabricated details.
“Witnesses falsely testified that she executed Amos Bohn, a relative of former First Lady Nancy Doe. After two years of solitary confinement, Taylor was released when it was revealed that Bohn was alive and living in the UK.”
They pointed that Gibril Massaquoi was tried in Finland on allegations that he committed heinous crimes in Liberia while under UN protective custody.
“The Finnish court eventually discredited the prosecution’s case, recognizing the improbability of Massaquoi leaving and returning to UN custody unnoticed.”
The IJG’s statement highlights a troubling pattern of injustice perpetuated by these pseudo advocates.
The organization calls for a thorough investigation into the practices of these groups and demands accountability for their actions.
The IJG insists that the integrity of the justice system is at stake and that the lives and reputations of falsely accused individuals must be protected.
“We cannot stand by while these organizations manipulate the criminal justice system for their gain,” said IJG Executive Director Jerome J. Verdier, Sr.
“The fraudulent activities of these so-called human rights advocates not only harm innocent people but also undermine the very principles of justice and human rights they claim to uphold.”
The IJG’s accusations against these pseudo human rights organizations and their supporters highlight a critical need for transparency and accountability within the advocacy community.
As the international community continues to seek justice for war crimes, it is essential that the process remains free of corruption and manipulation, ensuring that true justice is served.
