The Movement for Accountability and Social Justice in Liberia (MASJL) has called on the Government of Liberia and all relevant security institutions to conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the reported US$19.2 million drug case linked to activities at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
In a press statement issued Friday by the movement’s National Chairman, Varfee M. Kamara, and signed by National Secretary General George S. Koilor Jr., MASJL urged Liberians to respect the rule of law and the constitutional principle that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The movement expressed concern over what it described as increasing public accusations and commentary surrounding the case, warning that premature conclusions could undermine Liberia’s justice system.
According to MASJL, while citizens have every right to demand accountability, no individual or organization should replace the judicial process with public opinion.
“We are deeply concerned by what appears to be a coordinated effort by some individuals and groups to publicly declare Mr. Peter King guilty before investigators have concluded their work and before any court has determined criminal responsibility,” the statement said.
The organization stressed that the constitutional protection of the presumption of innocence is one of the pillars of democracy and exists to protect citizens from political persecution, character assassination, arbitrary judgment, and mob justice.
MASJL noted that holding a leadership position in an institution responsible for cargo or shipment management does not automatically establish criminal involvement.
“The mere fact that an individual heads an institution where an alleged crime may have occurred does not constitute evidence that the person participated in, facilitated, authorized, or even had knowledge of the alleged criminal act,” the statement emphasized.
The movement further maintained that any determination of criminal liability must be based solely on credible evidence obtained through a professional and impartial investigation.
While reaffirming its opposition to drug trafficking and organized crime, MASJL acknowledged that the reported seizure represents a serious matter with significant implications for Liberia’s national security, public health, economic development, and the future of the country’s youth.
The organization observed that illegal drugs continue to destroy families, fuel criminal activities, and contribute to growing social challenges across Liberia.
However, it argued that the seriousness of the allegations should not become an excuse to abandon due process.
“The more serious the allegation, the greater the responsibility to ensure that investigations are conducted professionally, transparently, and in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
MASJL called on law enforcement agencies and all relevant security institutions to pursue every lead without fear, favor, political interference, or external pressure.
It said no individual should be protected if evidence establishes wrongdoing, while equally insisting that no one should be accused or prosecuted without sufficient evidence.
The movement also appealed to political parties, civil society organizations, media institutions, and the general public to exercise restraint in their comments while the investigation remains ongoing.
It urged journalists to uphold professionalism by reporting verified facts instead of promoting conclusions that have not been established through lawful investigations.
Similarly, MASJL cautioned political actors against using the reported drug case for partisan gain, warning that issues involving criminal justice should never become instruments of political point-scoring.
The organization encouraged Liberians to remain patient and allow investigators adequate time to complete their work, noting that premature judgments could undermine the credibility of the investigation.
According to MASJL, accountability and due process are complementary principles rather than opposing ones.
The movement stated that true accountability can only be achieved when investigations are conducted fairly and decisions are based on evidence instead of speculation or political influence.
It also rejected suggestions that calls for due process amount to attempts to shield criminal conduct.
“Demanding evidence before declaring someone guilty is not a defense of crime; it is a defense of the rule of law,” the statement said.
MASJL assured the public that if credible evidence eventually establishes the involvement of any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, it will fully support prosecution under Liberian law.
Conversely, the organization maintained that anyone found innocent after a lawful investigation should be publicly cleared and allowed to continue his or her life free from unfounded accusations.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and social justice, MASJL pledged to continue supporting lawful efforts to combat drug trafficking while advocating for stronger institutions, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.
The movement concluded by calling on all well-meaning Liberians to support an independent and credible investigation into the reported US$19.2 million drug case while respecting the constitutional rights of everyone connected to the matter.
It stressed that justice must be guided by evidence, accountability must be grounded in due process, and the rule of law must remain supreme in Liberia.