Monrovia – The imprisonment of Thomas Etheridge, Amos Koffa, and Eric Susay following their inability to secure a US$3.6 million bond has sparked criticism, raising questions about access to justice in Liberia. The trio, linked to the Capitol Building arson on December 18, 2024, faces charges including arson and aggravated assault.

High Bond Amounts and Access to Justice

The decision to imprison the suspects due to their failure to secure the significant bond amounts has drawn attention to the financial barriers that individuals in Liberia may face in accessing fair legal representation. Critics argue that such high bond amounts disproportionately affect those without substantial financial resources, limiting their access to due process.

The Monrovia City Court ordered the trio’s detention after they were unable to secure a US$3.6 million criminal insurance bond. They have been held in the Monrovia Central Prison for several weeks since their arrest.

The Case Against the Suspects

The suspects are accused of playing a role in the fire that gutted the Joint Chambers of the Capitol, causing an estimated US$1.8 million in damages. The Liberia National Police has filed charges of arson, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault, alleging that the trio conspired to purchase gasoline for the arson during a protest at the Capitol.

The charge sheet accuses the suspects of violating multiple sections of the Penal Law of Liberia, adding further gravity to the legal proceedings.

Allegations of Mistreatment in Custody

The case has also gained public attention due to allegations of mistreatment while the suspects have been in police custody. Thomas Etheridge’s attorney, Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, has claimed that NSA agents employed unlawful interrogation methods, including physical abuse and coercion, aimed at extracting incriminating statements about others, particularly Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.

Cllr. Massaquoi has called for transparency and accountability in Liberia's security sector, urging a thorough investigation into the allegations of torture.

Government Response

Justice Minister Oswald Tweh has denied the allegations of torture, asserting that the government remains committed to ensuring a fair investigation into the Capitol fire. He emphasized that the legal process would proceed without interference or violation of due process.

Despite this, concerns over human rights and the treatment of detainees in Liberia’s legal system persist. The case has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the country in balancing justice, human rights, and security, with many calling for increased oversight and reforms.

As the legal proceedings continue, this case remains a focal point for broader discussions on the need for fairness and transparency in Liberia's justice system.