CSOs Back Call for Special Prosecutor in Capitol Arson Case

Monrovia, Liberia The Civil Society Consortium of Liberia has fully backed a joint statement from four opposition political parties calling for the immediate appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate alleged abuse and misconduct in the Capitol arson case.

In a release issued in Monrovia on June 25, 2025, the Democratic Watch Initiative and the Liberia CSO Watch Network operating under the Civil Society Consortium made up of five legally registered organizations—said the allegations of torture, witness tampering, and political persecution cannot be ignored.

The group described the case as a disturbing breakdown of law and due process, citing reports of illegal detention, coerced confessions, physical and psychological abuse, and attempts to silence witnesses.

They named individuals including Thomas Etheridge, Andrew Lawson, Albert Weah, John Nyanti, and Christian Koffa as victims of a pattern of abuse allegedly carried out by state security actors.

The Consortium raised concerns over constitutional violations, especially the right to bail and fair treatment under Article 21 of the 1986 Constitution.

It also questioned the credibility of investigations currently being handled by the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice, stating that these institutions cannot investigate themselves amid serious claims of bias and misconduct.

The civil society group echoed the opposition’s demand for a Special Prosecutor who is fully independent, with powers to uncover the truth, protect witnesses, and ensure transparency.

They also called for the release or formal charging of individuals in prolonged detention and urged the publication of all investigative findings for public accountability.

The Consortium warned that justice manipulation, especially in politically sensitive cases, could attract international backlash and jeopardize Liberia’s democratic stability.

“This is not a political endorsement,” the statement clarified, “but a principled stand for truth, fairness, and institutional credibility.”

The group urged President Joseph Boakai to act decisively and appoint a Special Prosecutor without delay.

The statement was signed by Mark Mulla, Chairman of the Democratic Watch Initiative, and Wilmot Gibson, Chairman of the Liberia CSO Watch Network. The Consortium declared its commitment to justice and the protection of constitutional rights for all Liberians.