——AMI Medical Examination Proves
Just as the authoritative Independent Probe reported a week ago that a leaked medical examination report from the AMI Hospital had proven torture allegations filed by defense Lawyers representing defendants in the Arson trail currently ongoing.
IPNEWS has obtained leaked copies of the examination details conducted on Arson suspects by Dr. Philip on September 16, 2025, clearly establishing that the arson suspects were tortured
Under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), dedicated to abolishing torture by the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), requires all countries including Liberia, to take measures to prevent, criminalize, and prosecute torture.
The prohibition against torture is absolute and cannot be justified by exceptional circumstances or superior orders. States must establish jurisdiction over acts of torture and either prosecute alleged torturers present in their territory or extradite them. The convention also prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face a risk of torture and ensures that torture-obtained evidence is not used in legal proceedings, except against the accused torturer. Additionally, states must provide victims with redress and rehabilitation, include torture prevention in training, and regularly review interrogation practices.
Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)
OPCAT focuses on preventing torture through a system of visits to places of detention. States ratifying OPCAT must establish independent National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) for regular visits and allow unrestricted access to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). They are required to cooperate with these monitoring bodies, examine their recommendations, and protect individuals who provide information. The definition of “deprivation of liberty” under OPCAT is broad, encompassing various facilities beyond traditional prisons
Liberia became a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) on September 22, 2004. the same date it ratified the parent Convention Against Torture.
The Philip Ireland’s medical report Conductor on the Arson suspects including Steven M Broh, Thomas Etheridge, Jerry Pokah, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Kivi Bah Kaba, established.
Dr. Philip Ireland stated that the Findings are consistent with the patients history of trauma continuous carving support brand and shape trauma allegations, that require further evaluation but no overt, quickly pointing out that his Medical opinion are in confirmative with his overriding duty is to the court both in preparing response and in giving oral evidence.
“I have compiled and will continue to comply with the two team I have done my best in preparing this report to be accurate and complete I have mentioned all matters that I regard as reason to the opinions. I have expressed based on the patients allegation document their physical findings and psychological presentation that medical evidence is assessed as follows trauma noted consistency assess consistent with the allegation but could also because by other conditions recommendations and follow up Scarf for Immutable a variant right gender mistrials Provost psychosocial support preserve photographs and documentation for medical legal purposes as Let me know declaration.”
For Steven Broh, Dr. Ireland stated that the examination proved the defendant admission in court of torture were correct. .
Broh was diagnosed of no distress cooperating Nutritional hydrogen, with status normal, while vital signs including Blood Pressure Wanted 7’/94 mmkg, with heart rate 125/bb and msp02 100% while respiratory rate remains at 18cm and body temperature 7.1 ‘C .
Examination on Thomas Etheridge, age 40, indicates that from the physical examination on skin and soft tissue, findings reported Scarf from deep wounds requiring soaring, while general chest appearance consistent with reported electrocution injury. No active starving, Adaman normal flank without visible trauma. Thomas examioned on the same day September 16 2025 by Dr Philip Ireland, following nine months in detention, denies any form of sexual assault or seldomy .
THOMAS was reported to be have severe intermittent headaches with generalized body pain chronic anxiety and sleep disturbance alongside blurred vision and left eye vision lost.
General examination appearance adequate with behavior presentation as anxious.
It may be recalled, on late September 16, 2025, evening Several sources at the private run medical center, AMI confided in the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper that medical examination conducted on suspects in the capitol arson case involving former House Speaker Fonati Koffa and other, established severe wounds of tortured with a likelihood of future damages if treatment is not done quickly.
The examination according to the source was conducted on Tuesday night. Interestingly, Police Commissioner General Colman was spotted within the premises of the AMI even though it remains unclear why was he there.
Portion of the examination report detailed physician recommendation for quick medical attention or else he may suffer from serious complications in the near future.
Recently serious contention sparked between prosecution lawyers and the defense team of the accused for the used of JFK Medical center for the examination. But defense LAWYERS opted for a private hospital rather than JFK which is a government run facility.
In early September, Six defendants currently facing trial in one of Liberia’s most politically charged arson cases filed a formal Motion for Independent Medical Examination before the First Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Assizes “A”, citing allegations of severe torture at the hands of state security officers and expressed mistrust in the government-owned John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
The defendants, Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac, Thomas Etheridge, and Stephen Broh are jointly charged with multiple capital and felony offenses including arson, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, and intent to commit murder, stemming from the Capitol Building fire incident earlier this year.
In a motion submitted on Monday, September 8,2025, the defense team argued that the accused were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment during interrogation by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
According to the motion, the defendants are currently suffering from urinary complications, blurred vision and bruises allegedly resulting from waterboarding, physical beatings, and exposure to intense lighting, conditions they believe require immediate and impartial medical evaluation.
“These symptoms are not coincidental. They are consistent with the injuries caused by the physical and psychological torture these young men endured while in state custody,” stated Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson, one of the lead defense attorneys, following a recent argument into motion to suppress evidence filed by the Prosecution.
The motion emphasized that the JFK Medical Center, being a government-owned and operated facility, lacks the independence and neutrality required to conduct an objective medical assessment in a case being prosecuted by the same government.
This is not the first time Cllr. Johnson has raised alarm over the use of JFK Medical Center in sensitive criminal matters.
