…Medical Report Rules Out Torture and Sodomy Allegations
By Amos Harris
Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has denied a motion filed by defense lawyers seeking to suppress key evidence in the ongoing Capitol Building arson trial. More than a dozen defendants are facing multiple criminal charges in connection with the fire on December 18, 2024.
Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution will remain admissible, dismissing defense claims that it was obtained through illegal procedures and human rights violations.
Defense lawyers had argued that the prosecution’s evidence should be excluded because the search and seizure process was flawed, lacking affidavits, specific names of persons to be searched, and an inventory of items collected. They also alleged that statements obtained from the defendants by the Liberia National Police (LNP) were extracted through torture and sodomy.
In response, prosecutors insisted that the claims were baseless, stressing that most of the evidence was digital and could not have been obtained through physical coercion.
“The allegation of torture is not only unfounded but intended to appeal to external sensitivities beyond this court,” Judge Willie noted, citing the prosecution’s argument.
The court further emphasized that the issue of alleged torture had already been raised during preliminary hearings and resolved. Judge Willie added that the medical reports provided to the court did not support the defense’s claims.
A medical examination conducted by Dr. Philips Zichinis Ireland of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare revealed that all defendants denied being subjected to torture or sodomy. The report noted that defendants withdrew consent for genital and anal examinations, and no medical evidence supported their claims.
Furthermore, during court proceedings, the defendants themselves admitted they had not been sodomized or tortured, contradicting earlier allegations made by their legal counsel.
“Based upon the medical reports, the facts, and the law cited herein, it is the honest view of this court that the evidence should be passed unto the trial jurors, who are clothed with the legal authority to determine the genuineness of the allegations,” Judge Willie ruled.
While denying the defense motion, the court reminded prosecutors of their obligation under Article 10(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty are treated with humanity and respect for their dignity.
The defendants—who include Representative J. Fonati Koffa, Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Jacob Debbie, Christian Koffa, John Nyanti, Stephen Broh, Eric Susay, Kivi Bah (alias Kaba), Jerry Pokai (alias Tyrese), Thomas Etheridge, Gabriel Fansieh, Patience Bestman, Harrilyn, and Grace Johnson—face charges of arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, reckless endangerment, and distribution of force. They are accused of orchestrating the blaze that gutted sections of the Capitol Building late last year.
With the motion to suppress denied, Judge Willie has ordered the case to proceed to trial, which has been assigned for hearing this Friday.
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