The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Liberia, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, said anyone investigation reveals to have played a role or been implicated in the commission of the crime of arson in the Capitol Building fire incident, be it a lawmaker or not, that person will face the full weight of the law. Speaking over the weekend at the Ministry of Justice, when he officially the dedicated vehicles for Prosecutors, Cllr. Tweh emphasized that the safety and security of the Liberian people remain their paramount concern. He said the investigations has shown that the fire incident was an arson attack which is a first-degree felony under the Liberian criminal law, therefore, they want to assure the public that anyone accused and arrested will be given his/her day in court in keeping with due process of law. ” The Ministry of Justice hereby strongly states that it will not shield or fail to arrest any individual who the investigation reveals play a role in the commission of the crime of arson. If any person is implicated, be it a lawmaker or not, that person will face the full weight of the law, like any other ordinary person,” Cllr. Tweh vowed. According to him, it is important to clarify, as delineated in Article 42 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, that while lawmakers enjoy certain protections from arrest, these protections do not offer immunity in the face of allegations such as felonies. He further indicated that should any lawmaker be implicated in commission of the crime of arson, due process will prevail, and appropriate legal actions will be taken. “Therefore, we like to call on the public to immediately reframe from misrepresentation of the facts of the matter as it relates to the fire at the Capitol Building! We should refrain, cease and desist from making callous and frivolous statements and comments and inciting violence through misrepresentation and misleading propaganda! The Ministry of Justice is committed to following the legal process established in our laws,” Cllr. Tweh assured. He asserted that in the event that charges are warranted against anyone, lawmakers included, all will be afforded their rights to a fair trial as guaranteed by the constitution. Relative to allegations of torture in the ongoing arson investigation of the fire incident that occurred at the Capitol on December 18, 2024, that resulted in the burning of the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, the Ministry of Justice wishes to inform the public and its international partners that these statements, comments, assertions and utterances are false, condemnable and border on undermining the investigations and efforts being made by law enforcement to investigate the fire incident. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has denied allegation of alleged coercion, and fabrication and torture by Thomas Etheridge, a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. “This government condemns such statements which threaten to disrupt the fragile peace that our nation has worked tirelessly to maintain. These false claims are indicative of a disconcerting pattern of misinformation that seeks to incite fear and unrest among the citizenry. Thomas Etheridge, a staff member of embattled House Speaker Fonati Koffa and a person of interest in the ongoing Capitol Building fire incident, recently came forward with a troubling account of his interrogation by security personnel. Mr. Ethridge revealed multiple instances of alleged abuse, coercion, and fabrication. Etheridge’s statement sheds light on the troubling interrogation methods used to extract confessions that he claims were false and made under duress. We also wish to reiterate our commitment to transparency. We therefore urge all citizens and public to exercise restraint, abide by the rule of law, and collaborate with the Government in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Ministry of Justice will keep the public informed as we advance in our investigations, reaffirming our dedication to upholding justice and accountability in this democratic society,” he concluded.
At the same time, after nearly seventy years, the Ministry of Justice under the leadership of Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh has dedicated and officially turned over twenty vehicles to Prosecutors of the Ministry of Justice, aimed at enhancing and strengthening access to justice and boosting administrative operations. The vehicles dedicated include twenty brand new Toyota Pickups and a thirty seated bus for employees at the Ministry of Justice. The turning over ceremony which was held at the ground of the Ministry of Justice, brought together county attorneys from the fifteen counties as well as partners and staffers of the Ministry. During the dedication ceremony over the weekend, it was disclosed that the last time prosecutors or county attorneys ever benefited vehicles was in 2008 under the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Justice Minister Tweh said dedication of the vehicles marks a significant milestone not only for their prosecution department, but also for the pursuit of justice of the beloved nation. According to him, it was disheartening when he heard that their dedicated legal professionals were riding motorcycles to the front lines of justice. He noted that they are not only providing vehicles, but are restoring respect, facilitating mobility, and reaffirming their faith in the ability of the county attorneys to carry out their vital work. “As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, it is a privilege to stand before you on this special occasion to dedicate these newly acquired 21 vehicles for our county attorneys and legal counsels—an essential step that echoes our commitment to ensuring that justice is served, fairly and efficiently,” he noted. According to him, when he took on the responsibilities of Justice Minister, he recognized that the strength of Liberia justice system lies in the hands of those who work tirelessly to uphold the law. “I am proud to say that after more than sixteen (16) years without the means to adequately fulfill their duties, we have taken the initiative to equip our county attorneys with the resources they need. Resources that will empower them to serve their communities with dignity and effectiveness,” he concluded. In receiving the vehicles, Liberia Solicitor General, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah, extolled the Minister of Justice for empowering county attorneys across the country to arrest crimes and prosecute. “I am happy here today because of what is unfolding. The promise of this government is to ensure that we have the rule of law as one of the pillars that should be properly implemented unhindered. Demonstrating that is what you are seeing here today. It was on this same podium in 2008 that we received vehicles as prosecutors from government. Now, go and prosecute because you are now facilitated with what you have to work with,” he cautioned.
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