By Yassah J. Wright
Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice, has denied a motion filed by the Clar Hope Foundation.
The motion sought to quash a subpoena issued by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPTF).
In a ruling delivered Tuesday, February 24, Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, rejected the Foundation’s attempt to block the Taskforce from obtaining documents related to its operations, finances and project activities.
Judge Willie held that the subpoena issued by AREPTF was consistent with its mandate to investigate, and retrieve public assets allegedly misappropriated. He said, no institution is exempt from lawful scrutiny, and that compliance with investigative processes is a requirement under the law. In the ruling, the Clar Hope Foundation is ordered to produce all documents, records, and materials requested by the Taskforce without delay.
The court further warned that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including possible contempt proceedings.
The Foundation had argued that the subpoena was overly broad and infringed on its operational independence.
However, the court ruled that the Taskforce established by the government to pursue asset recovery, has the authority to demand relevant documentation in the course of its investigations.
The case remains active as AREPTF intensifies its probe into matters concerning the Foundation’s activities and financing.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the Clar Hope Foundation, have taken an appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of Judge Willie’s decision.
The complex is owned by former First Lady Clar Marie Weah.
It is now being investigated by government’s AREPT.
The investigation is about possible corruption, including the misuse of public money.
The court wants Mrs. Weah to explain how the complex was built, and where the money came from, “because it is a private property built on several acres of land.”
