Three Complaint Jurors Released After Justice Ministry Steps Into High-Profile Jury Tampering Case

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia's Ministry of Justice has made an internation leaving to the release of three jurors who were among fifteen others imprisoned by Criminal Court "C" Judge Ousman F. Feika in the ongoing jury tampering investigation linked to the corruption case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several co-defendants.

The three jurors regained their freedom after the Ministry reportedly determined that they were the original complainants who alerted the Court to alleged misconduct by fellow jurors during the trial. Their disclosures are said to have prompted the judicial inquiry that later uncovered alleged violations of the Court's sequestration order.

According to information available, the three jurors had informed the Court that several members of the jury panel allegedly breached instructions by using mobile phones and maintaining communication with individuals outside the jury while deliberations were ongoing. Such actions, if proven, are considered a serious violation of judicial procedures intended to protect the integrity of court proceedings.

Following an investigation into the allegations, Judge Feika ruled that jury tampering and misconduct had occurred during the trial. The Court subsequently set aside the earlier not guilty verdict in the case and ordered that fifteen jurors be imprisoned at the Monrovia Central Prison pending further legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Justice's latest intervention, however, distinguishes the three complainant jurors from the others, reportedly recognizing that they acted as whistleblowers by bringing the alleged misconduct to the Court's attention rather than participating in efforts to undermine the judicial process.

"The release of the three complainant jurors is intended to allow investigators to obtain their full cooperation as witnesses while the Ministry continues its review of the allegations surrounding the jury's conduct," a source familiar with the matter disclosed.

Despite the release of the three jurors, the remaining jurors who were committed to prison under Judge Feika's order remain in custody and continue to be bound by the Court's ruling unless a separate judicial or prosecutorial decision alters their legal status.

The latest development adds another chapter to the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants, whose initial acquittal was overturned after the Court concluded that the integrity of the jury process had allegedly been compromised.

Legal observers say the Ministry of Justice's decision underscores the importance of protecting individuals who report alleged misconduct within the justice system while ensuring that investigations into claims of jury tampering are conducted thoroughly.

The Ministry is expected to continue its investigation as authorities determine whether further criminal or judicial actions will follow.