A Former Ganta City Mayor, Amos N. G. Suah, who was charged by the Gompa Magisterial Court with contempt of court, and subsequently jailed in Sanniquellie for one month, has been released. Suah is now dancing his freedom dance all over the place.
Mr. Suah Was released after serving less than a week of the 30-day sentence. The circumstances surrounding his early release, however, remain unclear.
The Case Reportedly arose from comments he made during a radio discussion concerning Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, and a controversial land eviction, and dispute in Ganta/Gompa.
The Court Determined that Suah’s statements demeaned the judiciary, and could encourage members of the public to resist the authority of the courts.
He Was Also ordered to retract his comments on three radio stations. Reports confirm that an order for his release was issued, but they have not clearly explained whether the release resulted from a legal settlement, a reconsideration, or modification of the contempt order, payment of a fine, or another legal, or procedural development.
Let It Be clear: we are not opposed to the release of Mr. Suah. Every person has the right to due process, and every court decision must be subject to the law.
But The Compelling question is this: Why was he released before completing the sentence imposed upon him? Does this raise questions about equal justice in Nimba?
Is Justice Being applied differently to different people? Is the law bending for some, while others remain firmly under its command?
These Are Not questions intended to undermine the judiciary. Rather, they are questions that deserve transparent answers, especially when public confidence in the justice system is at stake.
Liberia’s History Also reminds us of the case involving Prophet Key, who was jailed at the Monrovia Central Prison for six months, and served the sentence under the watchful eyes of the Chief Justice.
That Case Remains a reference point for those who believe that judicial orders must be respected, and uniformly enforced.
Today, However, Mr. Suah is free, and dancing his freedom dance. So, the question before the conscience of Nimba, and perhaps, before the conscience of Liberia, is simple: What does justice have to say about this?
Justice Must Not only be done; it must be seen to be done, and, most importantly, it must be applied equally to all.
If A Sentence can be shortened, the public deserves to know why. If the law provides a lawful avenue for early release, that avenue should be explained. And if a judicial decision has been reconsidered, or modified, the reason should not remain hidden from the people.
Nimba Deserves Justice that stands straight; not justice that bends according to who is standing before it.
