A leaked medical examination report sourced by Verity News from A.M.I. Expeditionary Healthcare has raised serious human rights concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment of one of the key defendants in the controversial Capitol Building arson case.
The report, prepared in accordance with the internationally recognized Istanbul Protocol, indicates that Thomas Etheridge may have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in government custody.
The medical evaluation, conducted by Dr. Philip Zochonis Ireland, a senior physician, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Liberia, and Medical Director at AMI, presents physical and psychological findings that are described as “highly consistent” with the defendant’s allegations of abuse.
Allegations of Torture
According to Etheridge, he was arrested by government agents approximately nine months ago and taken into custody. During his detention, he alleges he was:
Severely beaten with handcuffs and batons
Punched in the right eye
Stripped naked and repeatedly assaulted
Dislocated his right shoulder during beatings
Subjected to sustained psychological trauma
Etheridge also reported ongoing health complaints, including blurred vision, chronic body pain, severe headaches, anxiety, and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Medical Findings Support Claims
While no external injuries were visible at the time of the examination, Dr. Ireland’s report notes that the patient presented with heightened anxiety, emotional distress, and an irregular heart rhythm.
These findings, combined with Etheridge’s detailed history of abuse, were deemed “highly consistent with allegations of torture.”
“The irregular cardiac rhythm, history of blunt trauma, and ongoing psychological manifestations are highly consistent with the patient’s allegations of sustained torture and ill-treatment,” the report reads.
The assessment was conducted on September 16, 2025, at the AMI Clinic on 1st Street, Sinkor.
The examination was carried out with the patient’s full, informed written consent and adhered to the Istanbul Protocol, the UN’s global standard for documenting torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
International Protocol and Classification
Under the Istanbul Protocol, medical findings are classified based on how well they align with reported abuse.
Etheridge’s case falls under the second-highest category:
“Highly consistent with the allegation of torture.”
The report recommends immediate specialist care, including:
Cardiology review for irregular heartbeat
Ophthalmology for vision loss
Orthopedic evaluation for past shoulder dislocation
Psychiatric support for suspected PTSD
It also urges the preservation of medical notes and photographs for potential use in court or human rights proceedings.
Calls for Accountability Grow
The leak of the report is expected to intensify scrutiny over the Capitol Arson case, already marred by accusations of political motivation, due process violations, and irregular detention practices.
Human rights organizations have renewed their call for an independent investigation into the treatment of Etheridge and others accused in the case.
Legal experts suggest the medical report could carry significant weight in both domestic and international legal forums.
Background on the Case
Thomas Etheridge is among several individuals facing prosecution for their alleged involvement in the Capitol Building fire, which occurred in late 2024 amid mounting political tensions.
The government has maintained that all suspects are being held lawfully and are receiving appropriate treatment.
As of this publication, no official response has been issued by the Ministry of Justice concerning the leaked report.
With trials approaching, the revelations in the medical evaluation are likely to increase pressure on the Liberian government to ensure transparency, uphold international human rights obligations, and hold any perpetrators of abuse accountable.
