The attorneys have henceforth, petitioned Defense Ministry authorities to reconsider the dismissal decision of Sergeants Abu S.B. Sheriff, and Robert Menyon until “due process” is accorded the pair.
Legal representatives of two dismissed Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) sergeants have challenged the immediate dismissal of the pair.
The dismissed soldiers are Sergeants Abu S.B. Sheriff, and Robert Menyon.
Henceforth, the lawyers have called on authorities at the Ministry of Defense to reverse their clients’ dismissal, and eventually reinstate them with their full benefits.
The lawyers are of the opinions that the dismissal decision was made without “due process” to the affected personnel.
AFL Chief of Staff, Davidsion Forleh announced the dismissal of the duo when a viral video that showed an assault of a woman circulated to the public.
In a formal communication dated October 27, the law firm Kailondo and Associates, petitioned Acting Defense Minister N. Oswald Tweh, to reconsider the dismissal of Sergeants Abu S.B. Sheriff, and Robert Menyon.
The lawyers contend that their clients were discharged without a formal investigation, or hearing.
They raised concerns about whether the military followed the “appropriate legal, and disciplinary procedures” before terminating their clients’ services.
The legal team said, both the sergeants had served AFL for more than 18 years before they were “hurriedly dismissed without due process.”
By that, the lawmakers said, the decision made the circumstances surrounding the removal of the soldiers a matter of “serious concern.” The firm has meanwhile, requested the immediate reversal of the dismissal, restoration of the officers’ salaries and benefits, and the initiation of an impartial investigation into the incident. Kailondo and Associates maintains that any disciplinary action against members of the armed forces must comply with the constitution, and applicable military laws, including the principles governing due process. The appeal places the spotlight on the balance between military discipline, and the legal rights of service personnel, particularly when allegations of misconduct attract widespread public attention through social media.
As of the information contained in the letter, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Defense has formally responded to the lawyers’ demands.
The outcome of the petition could determine whether the two former sergeants receive a review of their dismissal, and whether a formal investigation will be conducted into the incident that triggered the disciplinary action.
Source: Legit News Africa
