—-Wants Jury Disband
IPNEWS: Upon taking office in March 2014, Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, emphasized that his ministry will proceed with prosecutions only within the strict confines of the law, prioritizing solid evidence over “quick, flawed outcomes”.
Tweh has stated that the Ministry of Justice is working methodically to ensure all cases are handled with fairness and integrity, noting that rushing to court without sufficient evidence often results in sustainable justice being denied.
He highlighted that the ministry is employing forensic financial analysis, covert investigations, and witness protection to build strong cases against “powerful individuals” who may attempt to manipulate evidence.
Despite the deliberate pace, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding both past and current officials accountable for corruption before the end of 2025.
Tweh famously remarked that “justice delayed should not be confused with justice denied,” urging citizens to remain patient as the state gathers the necessary tools for “strong, sustainable outcomes”.
In a dramatic turn in the ongoing Capitol Building Arson trial, state prosecutors on Monday, December 29, 2025, filed a motion urging the court to disband the current jury and empanel a new one, citing concerns over the panel’s ability to deliver an impartial verdict.
The prosecution argues that the 14 trial jurors have shown signs of incompetence and bias, particularly during questioning on the 36th day of jury deliberations, December 22, 2025.
Lawyers expressed “utter dismay” after observing jurors consulting each other before posing questions to the state’s first witness, Chief Superintendent Rafael A. Wilson of the Liberia National Police.
“Those exchanges bring into serious question whether or not the current venire of petit/trial jurors are capable of rendering an independent and impartial verdict,” the motion states, referencing the evidence expected in this high-profile case involving the November 10, 2024, arson attack on the Joint Chambers of the National Legislature.
Prosecutors highlighted a specific incident where Juror J30-9863 requested a replay of key audio-video footage.
After viewing it, the juror reportedly declared, “the individual in the video shown is a Chinese man and not Etheridge,” prematurely forming an opinion on the defendant’s identity and prejudicing the case.
The state invoked Section 19 of the Jury Procedures Manual, which allows jury sequestration to prevent tampering, but argued that the jurors’ “lack of determination to make independent judgment” poses an even greater threat to a fair trial.
Defense Rejects Motion as Baseless Attack Defense lawyers swiftly countered, calling the allegations “false, misleading, and unsupported by evidence.”
They maintain that jurors may ask clarifying questions, which shows attentiveness, not impropriety.
“The prosecution’s dissatisfaction with juror questions does not meet the legal threshold for the extraordinary remedy of disbanding a jury,” the defense response reads.
They described the motion as an “unwarranted attack” on the jury’s integrity and the court’s authority, with no proof of external influence, intimidation, or interference.
On the named juror, the defense insisted the inquiry was lawful and essential for evaluating evidence in pursuit of justice.
They warned that politicizing juror questions could erode public trust in the judiciary.Judge Willie has yet to rule.
A decision is anticipated on Friday, January 2, 2026, which could allow the trial to continue or force a full jury reset.
