Evidence In Capitol Building Fire Case Still Hunted By: Yassah J. Wright
In the ongoing Capitol Fire case, state prosecutors on Tuesday requested additional time to produce key evidence—a cell phone allegedly linked to defendant Thomas Etheridge. The prosecution claimed the phone contains a transcript of messages tying Etheridge to the crime, which they presented in court. However, the defense counsel challenged the submission, demanding the physical phone for verification. Although prosecution lawyers admitted the defense’s demand diverged from standard legal practices, they accepted the request in the interest of transparency and due process. They asked for a brief extension to present the phone to the court. Said the prosecution: “Counsel say he request for contiancue in these proceedings to afford the prosecution to satisfy the requirement of the defense that the phone from which the information contained on this printed copy was obtained be produced before court before they are satisfy for these instruments lo be admitted although that is very different from our practice, prosecution says they request the time to satisfy their curiosity during the case. Counsel says this request is in good faith with intend to make sure due process is followed and not to circumvent justice. And so order.” The defense raised no objection, reiterating that the best evidence in this situation would be the actual cell phone, rather than printed transcripts. It maintains that printed messages are insufficient as evidence, and supports the prosecution’s request to produce the phone to ensure the integrity of the proceedings. Defense: “Counsel for defendants do not object to the request for the prosecution to be allowed time to produce the telephone of defendant Thomas Ethridge so as to enable the court to determine the source of the text whatsapp messages sought to be offered into evidence by prosecution. The defendant say however, that the objection of the defense to the printed pages of the text messages was the proper thing to do and is the general rule that the best evidence must always be produced and in the mind of the defense, as between the printed text messages and the cell phone itself that contains the messages, the cell phone is the best evidence and it is on that basis defense does not object.” Following these arguments, the court granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case to Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to allow prosecutors time to produce the phone. The court ruled that the prosecution’s application is granted, as there is no objection from the defense. Hence the matter is adjourned to January 29, 2025. The next hearing will focus on the phone’s presentation and its contents, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the trial. Ad-Hoc Committee Constituted To Probe Poor Network Services In Liberia
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has established an ad hoc committee to investigate persistent telecommunications network issues in parts of Liberia, particularly in the southeastern region. The committee has been tasked with probing GSM providers Lonestar MTN and Orange Liberia, along with regulators such as the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. During its 5th day sitting of the 1st quarter of the 2nd session on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, representatives from these entities appeared before Plenary to address complaints about poor network services. The ad hoc committee has been given a two-week deadline to present its findings to Plenary. The decision to establish the committee was triggered by communications from Maryland County Electoral Districts 2 and 3 lawmakers, who highlighted the devastating impact of unreliable network services on citizens in the southeastern region. They reported that the poor network has significantly disrupted daily life, causing economic hardships, impeding business operations, and affecting mobile money services critical for financial transactions. According to the lawmakers, the lack of stable communication infrastructure has resulted in financial losses for entrepreneurs and traders, while citizens face continuous challenges in coordinating essential activities. The committee is chaired by Rep. Ivar Jones and includes the following-Reps. Foday Fahnbulleh, . Dorwohn Gleekia, Austin Taylor, and Anthony Williams, who will serve as resource persons. The investigation seeks to hold the GSM companies and regulators accountable and to ensure improved telecommunication services for all Liberians, especially in underserved areas.