IPNEWS: Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Colonel Gregory Coleman, has been found guilty of criminal contempt of court for defying a lawful order issued by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County.
Assigned Circuit Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh ruled that Col. Coleman failed to appear before the court to explain his non-compliance with an earlier mandate, an action the judge described as “an affront to the authority of the court and highly contemptuous.”
As a consequence, the court fined the Police Chief US$300, to be paid into government revenue within 72 hours. Judge Gbeneweleh warned that failure to comply with the fine would result in the issuance of a writ of arrest, placing Col. Coleman in the custody of the court’s Sheriff.
The ruling further directed the Sheriff to serve mandates on the Ministry of Justice and the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia to enforce judgment in the ongoing civil case, The Intestate Estate of the Late Batune Keita vs. The Intestate Estate of the Late Mohammed Kamara, administered by Matelja M. Murh.
Judge Gbeneweleh underscored the need for public officials to respect and uphold the rule of law, reminding state actors that judicial orders must be followed without hesitation.
“This Court calls upon the Inspector General to always enter compliance with the competent jurisdiction with urgency,” the ruling stated. By: Andrew B Weah
