The Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” Roosevelt Z. Willie on Thursday, September 4, 2025, denied a motion by the defense team requesting the live streaming and press coverage of ongoing criminal proceedings involving over a dozen defendants accused of serious crimes including arson, conspiracy, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
The request, made by a high-profile defense team representing former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and others, was rejected on grounds that it contravenes established court rules which prohibit live broadcasts and photography during judicial proceedings.
Defense Cites Public Interest, Transparency
Defense counsel, led by Cllr. Arthur Tamba Johnson and others, argued that the gravity and public interest nature of the case warranted full transparency and media access, including live television coverage.
Citing prior exceptions made by the Supreme Court during political and electoral disputes, the defense contended that the existing court rule banning live broadcasts, originally passed in the 1960s and 70s was outdated and failed to reflect modern technological advancements and Liberia’s commitment to transparency under international declarations such as the Table Mountain Declaration.
The defense emphasized that the trial was a matter of intense public concern and argued that televising the proceedings would serve the public good without prejudicing the parties involved.
Prosecution Labels Request “Contemptuous”
The Prosecution, County Attorney for Montserrado Cllr. Richard J. Scott Jr., Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah in association with the Central Law offices lead lawyer Cllr. Jimmy Saah Bombo and several other senior government lawyers, strongly resisted the motion.
Cllr. Scott Jr., dismissed the defense’s arguments as legally unfounded and described the request as a calculated attempt to “grandstand” and delay the trial.
The Prosecution maintained that Rule 11 of the General Rules of Court, revised as recently as 1999 under the leadership of former Chief Justice Henry Reed Cooper, clearly forbids the live broadcasting and photographing of court proceedings.
The Government lawyers further warned that granting the request would not only be illegal but could also set a dangerous precedent.
Prosecutors called on the Court to fine or sanction defense counsel if they continued to discuss the case in the press, violating the legal principle of sub judice, which discourages public commentary on ongoing judicial matters.
Court: “All Cases Are Public Interest”
In a detailed ruling, Judge Willie emphasized that all cases before the Court are matters of public interest and that granting special privileges to one trial over others would undermine the principle of equal justice under the law.
Reading directly from Rule 11, Judge Willie said the prohibition on recording and photography was implemented to prevent disruption in the courtroom, including distraction of witnesses and the risk of degrading public perception of the judiciary.
“This Court will not allow that. The Supreme Court has passed this rule, and the Court will not be the one to violate it,” Judge Willie stated firmly, urging any party wishing to amend the rule to do so through proper legal channels such as the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA).
Court Orders Medical Examination into Torture Claims
In a dramatic turn, however, the Court took seriously allegations raised by the defense that several defendants had been tortured and sodomized while in the custody of the National Security Agency (NSA), allegedly held for eight days without due process.
Judge Willie ordered the Clerk of Court to immediately communicate with the John F. Kennedy Medical Center to conduct a thorough medical examination of six named defendants to determine whether they were subjected to physical or sexual abuse while in state custody.
The results are to be submitted to the Court no later than Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Final ruling on the Defense’s Motion to Suppress Evidence, based in part on the alleged torture, and is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
Defense Objects to Government-Controlled Hospital
While welcoming the Court’s decision to investigate the torture claims, defense lawyers objected to the use of JFK Medical Center, a government-run hospital, and instead requested that an independent forensic or psychological expert be allowed to examine the accused. Judge Willie noted the objection for the record.
With serious allegations of human rights violations now on the record and an official medical examination pending, the stakes in this already politically sensitive case continue to rise.
The Court’s final decision on the suppression of evidence could dramatically impact the trajectory of the trial.
Meanwhile, the media remains barred from recording the proceedings, though they are permitted to attend and report, consistent with standard courtroom practice.
