Monrovia, Liberia – Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, legal representative of Thomas Ethebridge, the prime suspect in the Capitol Building fire incident, has accused state security agencies of gross violations in the handling of his client’s investigation.
In a statement, Massaquoi alleged that the National Security Agency (NSA) has overstepped its mandate by taking control of the case and employing tactics that undermine Ethebridge’s constitutional rights. According to him, the investigation, initially a broad inquiry into the fire, has been narrowed to target Ethebridge, who has reportedly been subjected to unlawful practices.
“The process is no longer a general criminal investigation into the allegation of arson. It has now shifted focus to a particular individual,” Massaquoi stated. “The accused has been taken into police custody, but the NSA has effectively seized control of the matter, conducting a process designed to elicit incriminating statements.”
Massaquoi further alleged that his client has been denied access to legal counsel and was not informed of his right to remain silent during interrogations. He argued that these actions constitute a clear violation of Ethebridge’s constitutional rights and due process.
“The individual has been effectively denied access to a lawyer of his choice at every stage of the investigation,” Massaquoi asserted. “The NSA has wantonly carried out an interrogation process that not only lacks transparency but also aims to extract self-incriminating statements under duress.”
The lawyer warned that any statements obtained during such interrogation should be deemed inadmissible in court, citing the NSA’s alleged failure to uphold basic legal safeguards.
Massaquoi’s claims have sparked concern among human rights advocates and legal experts, who argue that the actions of state security threaten the integrity of the judicial process and undermine the protection of individual freedoms. Critics have called for a transparent review of the NSA’s investigative methods and urged authorities to respect the suspect’s constitutional rights.
While the full details of the investigation remain unclear, the allegations of constitutional violations have intensified scrutiny of the case. Observers have pointed to a broader need for accountability and adherence to human rights standards in criminal investigations across Liberia.
“The denial of legal representation and the failure to inform the accused of his rights are not just procedural missteps; they are fundamental breaches of the rule of law,” Massaquoi emphasized.
