Monrovia – A crucial movement to dismiss a high-profile corruption case involving a number of former senior Liberian authorities officers, together with former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, is ready to be selected Friday, February 28.
By Willie Tokpah
The movement, filed by the protection, argues that the case must be dismissed as a result of its connection to delicate nationwide safety points and claims of political bias.
Prosecutors, nonetheless, keep that the case is legitimate and may proceed, emphasizing that the authorized exemption for the President in nationwide safety issues doesn’t lengthen to the defendants.
The fees middle on alleged monetary misconduct throughout the defendants’ tenure, significantly concerning improper transfers of over one billion Liberian {dollars} and half one million U.S. {dollars} from the Central Bank of Liberia to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) with out correct documentation or oversight.
The protection argues the transfers have been approved for nationwide safety functions, whereas prosecutors contend they violated monetary laws.
Filed on February 24, the movement to dismiss additionally claims the matter must be dealt with by the National Security Agency (NSA) as an alternative of the Criminal Court “C.” The protection insists the fees are politically motivated, citing their roles within the earlier administration.
The prosecution has pointed to earlier circumstances, similar to that of former Defence Minister Brownie Samukai, the place comparable fees have been pursued regardless of nationwide safety considerations. They argue that, like Samukai, the previous officers must be held accountable for his or her alleged actions.
The ruling on this movement will probably be a key second in Liberia’s battle towards corruption, because it might both advance the case or derail efforts to carry the accused accountable.