“Those released three Jurors were the ones that reported their colleagues of ‘jury tampering’ in the Samuel Tweah not guilty verdict,” –Legal sources.
Criminal Court ‘C’ has ordered three of the 15 jurors released from further imprisonment from the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) with immediate effect. Those ordered released are the ones, who reported their colleagues of ‘jury tampering’ to judicial authority shortly the case was concluded. Shortly they were released, confusion and growing public scrutiny continued to surround how government handled sequestrated (repossessed) jurors, who served in the high-profile criminal trial. The case involved former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and co-defendants brought before court for corruption.
While three members of the 15-person jury were reportedly released, the remaining 12 had remained jailed for further “investigation.”
The development comes amid an ongoing inquiry following the controversial proceedings in Criminal Court ‘C,’ where the jury returned its verdict in the most closely watched corruption-related case.
Those released three Jurors were the ones that reported their colleagues of ‘jury tampering.’
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter, the three jurors were among those who reportedly voted guilty during jury’s deliberations, while the 12, were those who voted the not guilty verdict. Sources familiar with the matter further alleged that the three released jurors have expressed their willingness to provide investigators with additional information regarding events surrounding the case. However, Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge, Ousman F. Feika, has since turned the matter over to the Ministry of Justice for further investigation.
The “selective release” of only three jurors has raised questions about the basis upon which authorities decided to free some jurors while continuing to detain the others.
When In-profile Daily newspaper reporter contacted Ministry of Justice Communications Director, Jutonu Y. Kollie, denied any knowledge of the matter.
Kollie added: “I don’t have information regarding the reported release of three of the 15 jurors, or the continued detention of the remaining 12.”
His response comes as the Ministry has yet to issue any formal public statement explaining the status of the jurors, or the legal framework governing the ongoing investigation.
The latest development follows days of heightened legal and political attention after the conclusion of the Samuel D. Tweah trial, a case that has generated significant national debate over accountability, due process, and the administration of justice.
As questions continue to mount, legal analysts say, greater public clarity from the relevant authorities will be essential to maintain confidence in the judicial process.
