The appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as Executive Director for the office dedicated to establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia has garnered another wave of approval, particularly from the Concerned Professionals in support of the initiative.
The group issued a statement expressing their endorsement of President Joseph Boakai’s decision and commending the international community and various stakeholders who have backed Cllr. Massaquoi’s appointment.
Highlighting the critical significance of this appointment, the Concerned Professionals emphasized its timeliness in seeking justice for victims of Liberia’s 14-year civil crisis and addressing the pervasive issue of impunity in the country.
“Many victims of the civil war, especially women and children, endured unimaginable human rights abuses such as sexual violence and torture,” the statement read, underscoring the atrocities that necessitate justice.
The civil conflict, which also saw the recruitment of child soldiers and resulted in approximately 250,000 deaths, left deep scars on Liberian society, making accountability imperative for healing and reconciliation.
Establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court office, according to the group, represents a pivotal step towards accountability and deterrence of future perpetrators of war and economic crimes.
In detailing Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi’s credentials, the Professionals highlighted his distinguished legal career spanning 15 years.
His achievements include defending Child Rights Advocate Abraham Kieta in the Monrovia City Court and serving as Amicus Curiae for the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Cllr. Massaquoi’s legal expertise extends to representing entities such as the Liberia Petroleum and Refinery Corporation (LPRC) and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
He provided legal counsel to Liberia’s former First Lady, Agnes Reeves Taylor, in an international trial and offered expert opinions on Liberian laws concerning human rights and war crimes to foreign legal experts.
Amidst recent controversies and public divisions over Cllr. Massaquoi’s nomination, particularly highlighted by opposition from seventy Civil Society Organizations led by Adama Dempster, the Concerned Professionals reiterated their steadfast support.
They called for continued backing from the international community and all Liberians, affirming their belief that Cllr. Massaquoi’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring justice prevails and bolstering the rule of law in Liberia.
The appointment continues to stir debate across the nation, with contrasting opinions underscoring the complexities and challenges inherent in seeking justice for past atrocities while navigating present-day political and social dynamics.
The coalition and human rights advocates voiced deep reservations concerning Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi’s suitability for this pivotal role.
According to reliable sources, including news reports, Cllr. Massaquoi previously served as legal counsel for Madam Agnes Reeves Taylor, wife of former Liberian President Charles G. Taylor, in a UK court where she faced allegations of war crimes related to Liberia’s civil conflicts.
Charles Taylor himself is serving a 50-year sentence in the UK for crimes committed in Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, Cllr. Massaquoi has been identified as legal representation for another war crimes suspect, Gebril Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean national currently facing prosecution in Finland for atrocities allegedly committed during the Liberian civil war, specifically in Lofa County.
The coalition emphasizes the apparent conflict of interest in appointing someone who has defended individuals accused of grave human rights violations to spearhead the establishment of a court meant to deliver justice to victims and survivors of these very atrocities.
But this appeared unfruitful with the U. S Congressman Chris Smith has welcomed Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi’s appointment as Executive Direct of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWC).
This indicates that the latest appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi was met with satisfaction from leading human rights, civil society, and legal actors in and out of Liberia. The latest among them is U.S. Congressman Chris Smith who has been a leading voice for justice and accountability in Liberia.
In a statement published on his official website, Congressman Smith, who chairs the House Global Human Rights Subcommittee, extolled President Joseph Boakai for his timely appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as Executive Director of the Office of War and Economic Crimes.
“With this critical appointment, President Boakai continues to show his commitment and eagerness for justice,” said Smith.
Meanwhile, the President is yet to speak on the issue, which suggests potential confidence from the Liberian leader to allow Cllr. Massaquoi to sterr the affairs of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia.
By: G. Watson Richards
