The Ministry of Justice has strongly refuted claims that a suspect in the Capitol Building arson case, Thomas Etheridge, was subjected to torture during his detention.

Thomas Etheridge, one of the suspects in the December 18, 2024, Capitol fire that destroyed the Rotunda, accused law enforcement of employing extreme measures, including waterboarding and severe beatings, to extract information.

Justice Minister Oswald Tweh dismissed these allegations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to conducting a fair and transparent investigation. Speaking at the dedication ceremony of 21 vehicles for county attorneys and legal counsels on Tuesday, Tweh reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to justice.

“We have invited independent investigators to look into these claims of torture, underscoring our commitment to impartiality and due process,” Tweh stated.

The Ministry, however, labeled Etheridge’s allegations as “false, condemnable, and designed to undermine the ongoing investigation.”

Impartial Investigation Pledged

Minister Tweh stressed that the government would not shield anyone from justice, regardless of their position or influence. He assured the public that all individuals implicated in the arson case—whether lawmakers or ordinary citizens—would face the full weight of the law.

“The investigation into the Capitol fire is progressing, and we will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt or misrepresent these efforts,” Tweh said.

He also reminded the public that while lawmakers are afforded certain constitutional protections, these do not extend to serious criminal offenses. If any lawmaker is implicated, the Ministry pledged to follow due process to ensure accountability.

Call for Cooperation

Minister Tweh urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation that could jeopardize the investigation or destabilize the nation. He reassured the public that suspects would receive fair trials in line with their constitutional rights.

“The Ministry of Justice remains committed to holding those responsible for the Capitol fire accountable while upholding Liberia’s justice system as fair, transparent, and unbiased,” Tweh concluded.

The Ministry has called on all Liberians to cooperate with the investigation and adhere to the rule of law as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the Capitol Building arson.