By G. Watson Richards
Two co-defendants convicted in the recently concluded US$6.2 million United States Dollar Economic Sabotage case have filed a motion requesting a new trial.
The motion was submitted on Monday before Criminal Court “C” presiding Judge Ousman Feika.
Cllr. Nyenati Tuan and Jefferson Karmoh are asking the court to set aside their convictions for criminal facilitation and conspiracy in the high-profile case.
The matter, prosecuted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, centers on allegations involving the alleged misuse of public funds tied to national security operations during the 2023 elections.
While Tuan and Karmoh were found guilty, two co-defendants, including former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and FIA Comptroller Moses Cooper, were acquitted.
Their legal team argues that the mixed verdict raises serious questions about the existence of any coordinated conspiracy, saying the acquittals weaken the prosecution’s overall case.
They also insist that there is no evidence showing that either Tuan or Karmoh personally received or benefited from the funds in question.
A major point in their motion is the claim that the trial judge improperly guided the jury on the standard of proof, allegedly lowering it from “beyond a reasonable doubt” to a lesser threshold.
The defense further maintains that the actions at the center of the case were part of official government communications related to national security procedures, and not criminal activity.
The court has yet to make a ruling on the request for a new trial.
