MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Monrovia City Court has granted prosecuting lawyers’ petition to extradite fugitive Othello Bruce, a Liberian, to the United States.
Fugitive Bruce has been indicted for allegedly raping his sixteen-year-old daughter, and escaped to avoid being prosecuted.
Magistrate Ben Barco on Tuesday ruled that State Lawyers met the applicable provision for extradition as contained in the requisition for Othello Bruce, which is consistent with the relevant treaty and statutory laws of Liberia.
Magistrate Barco’s ruling maintained that the statement of the lone witness is credible to support all documentary evidence adduced in court regarding the claims levied against Othello Bruce as provided by Chapter 25, Section 25.5 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
But Defense Lawyers took an exception to the Judge’s ruling by announcing an appeal to Criminal Court ‘A’, thereby placing a halt on the extradition of fugitive Othello Bruce.
Before the Court’s April 29 ruling, the US Government applied to the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking Bruce’s extradition.
The request was backed by several pieces of evidence, along with Bruce’s sealed indictment, accusing him of allegedly raping his sixteen-year-old daughter, which led to the government applying to the court to have him transferred regarding the claims.
