Liberian Catholic Rights Group Files Motion for Release of Untried Prisoners

The Liberian Catholic rights group, Justice and Peace Commission (JPC), has filed a motion at the Criminal Court ’C’ to dismiss charges against over 40 inmates of the Monrovia Central Prison who have been held for prolonged periods without trial.

The Director of the JPC, Lawyer Augustine Toe, told a press conference Friday that these inmates have been in detention beyond the statutory period of two court terms without trial. (One court term is equivalent to 42 days).

Attorney Toe observed that the prolonged detention of these citizens without trial is a violation of their rights as enshrined in Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution.

The Judge of the Criminal Court ’C’, Emmanuel Kollie, has scheduled hearing of the motion for Tuesday.

The Monrovia Central Prison is overcrowded due to delays in trying cases.

Source African Press Agency

Net News Publisher