MONROVIA – Three suspects arrested in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire at Liberia’s Capitol Building have alleged that they were tortured by National Security Agency (NSA) agents to falsely implicate House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in the incident. The Ministry of Justice has refuted the claims, dismissing them as baseless and aimed at misleading the public.

Suspects’ Allegations of Torture

Andrew Sleh Lawson, one of the suspects, recounted harrowing experiences of alleged abuse, claiming NSA agents physically coerced him to implicate Speaker Koffa.

“They [NSA agents] told me they had videos of Fonati Koffa giving me money to burn the Capitol Building. I told them, ‘If you have the video, show it, and I’ll accept whatever punishment you want,’” Lawson said.

He further alleged that agents used physical violence, including hitting him with a mineral bottle, while attempting to coerce him. “They stripped us naked and tortured us, insisting we say Fonati ordered us to burn the Capitol, which is entirely untrue,” he added.

Albert Weah, another suspect, shared similar experiences, stating that he was blindfolded and interrogated about receiving funds from Speaker Koffa to commit arson. “I was arrested on December 17 and released on December 19, but the Capitol fire happened on December 18,” Weah explained, questioning the basis of his arrest.

The third suspect, Thomas Etheridge, alleged that he was beaten, stripped, and threatened with sexual violence during his detention. “They told me one man can’t fight the government. They accused me of buying gas and organizing people to burn the building, but when I denied it, they beat me for over five minutes,” Etheridge stated.

Ministry of Justice Denies Claims

The Ministry of Justice has dismissed the torture allegations, asserting that they are fabricated attempts to derail the investigation into the Capitol fire.

“Investigations are progressing, and we will not tolerate efforts to undermine or discredit this process. Anyone involved in the arson, lawmaker or not, will face the full extent of the law,” said Justice Minister Cllr. Frank Musa Tweh.

The Ministry emphasized its commitment to an impartial and thorough investigation and urged the public to await the findings.

Political and Public Reaction

The allegations of torture have ignited political tensions, with some interpreting them as a deliberate smear campaign against Speaker Koffa. While the Speaker has refrained from commenting publicly, his supporters have called for an independent investigation into both the fire and the treatment of the suspects.

Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have expressed alarm, urging transparency and accountability.

“This is a critical test for Liberia’s justice system. The government must ensure the investigation is free from political influence and respects human rights,” a prominent human rights advocate said anonymously.

Calls for Independent Probe

In response to growing public outcry, the Liberia National Bar Association and advocacy groups have called for an independent inquiry into both the Capitol fire and the torture allegations.

“This moment requires credible and impartial investigations. Anything less risks deepening mistrust in our institutions and further polarizing the nation,” a legal expert remarked.

Broader Implications

The Capitol Building fire has become a flashpoint for Liberia’s political and governance challenges. The truth behind the incident, as well as the treatment of the suspects, could have significant ramifications for the credibility of the government and its security apparatus.

As investigations continue, many are watching closely, hoping for justice and transparency in a case that has captured national and international attention.