MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has condemned the recent wave of reported attacks, ritualistic killings, disappearances, and criminal acts in the Country.
The LNBA is at the same time calling on the Liberian Government to move swiftly and guarantee the safety of citizens and residents.
The Bar Association wants Government to further provide security for judges, given the crucial nature of their work.
The LNBA is calling on the Liberia National Police to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.
It said without investigation and punitive action against culprits, incidents of violence may escalate and lead to insecurity across the Country.
In a statement signed by the LNBA Secretary, Cllr. Bobby Livingstone, the association cited recent attacks on the home of Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Willie and Judge Roland Dahn of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County.
Unknown men reportedly threw stones at Judge Willie’s home over the weekend, in New Georgia Estate, leaving him to flee along with his family, for fear of their lives.
Judge Willie confirmed that police intervened and arrested at least two persons.
ELBC Judicial Reporter said the attack is third of its kind on Judicial Officers, since the start of the year.
Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe’s home was attacked with petrol bomb, while Judge Ousman Feika’s home was also attacked by unknown men Grand Cape Mount County.
However, the President of the Trial Judges Association has written Chief Justice Francis Korkpor about the attacks on judges and magistrates in the Country.
In a communication Monday, September 27, 2021, Judge Eva Mappy Morgan disclosed that they are living in fear following series of attacks at judges’ homes and consistent threats by phone calls.
Judge Mappy Morgan said:” In the last months, unknown armed men have attacked the homes of several circuit judges, making away with valuables.”
The Trial Judges President stressed that magistrates have also been assaulted by people under the guise of unleashing the country devil, particularly in the rural areas.
She wants the Chief Justice’s quick intervention, adding that attacks on judges have the propensity to undermine the rule of law.
