By our Staff Writer
Dressed in black, group of Liberian citizens have staged a peaceful demonstration at the Capitol Building urging their lawmakers to set up a War and economic Crimes court to put an end to years of impunity.
But when it hit the House Plenary yesterday, Speaker Dr. Bohfal Chambers of the ruling CDC party rejected the citizens’ petition.
They are demanding trial for those who bear the greatest responsibilities for the atrocities of the 14 years civil war, which formally ended in 2003 and those who have allegedly pillaged the country’s economic resources over the years.
Uniting under the banner of “Citizens of the Republic of Liberia,” the group on Tuesday carried placards and chanted slogans calling for justice as they exercised their right to peaceful assembly under Article 17 of the Liberian constitution.
“All persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances and to associate fully with others or refuse to associate in political parties, trade unions and other organizations,” Article 17 of the Liberian constitution says.
The leader and Spokesman of the group, Mr. Fubbie Frankline Henries spoke of the urgent need for justice to be served Liberian war victims and the implementation of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations.
The citizens have taken their case to the lawmakers because under the constitution in Article 34, the Legislature has the power “to constitute courts inferior to the Supreme Court, including circuit courts, claims courts and such courts with prescribed jurisdictional powers as may be deemed necessary for the proper administration of justice throughout the Republic.”
The pro-war and economic crimes court advocates said despite the killings of over 250 people in the Liberian civil war and the looting of the country’s resources, alleged perpetrators have not been brought to book.
According to the petition, this will help in the following: Reconcile the many aggrieved Liberians who feel justice has not been served. Bring peace of mind to those who lost their loved ones and have also been going through serious trauma from the impact of the war. Rewrite our history knowing that the culture of impunity is finally over. Serve as deterrent for future acts of treason. Reduce the daily trauma people face by seeing those who caused them serious pains and setbacks sitting at the hem of power and moving with impunity too”.
The group said they want justice for each and every Liberian who suffered injustices during the Liberian civil conflict which led many persons dead, mother and fatherless.
“This is our cry, we want justice,” the petition to the lawmakers said.
According to the citizens, Liberia cannot have genuine peace without justice indicating that the establishment of the WAR Crimes Court is inevitable.
They stressed that if the laws on rape, murder, damage of property, adoption, drug abuse, exposing kids to danger, looting can be apply now; they see no reason why the ones committed during the WAR are exceptions and should not be handle in the court.
They went on to say in their petition that regardless of how Liberians term it, those were acts of treason and the laws need to be fully applied to prevent reoccurrence.
Economic criminals who have been placed on records for misappropriating state’s resources up to January 21, 2018, they added need to be found and prosecuted individuals adding that this is important to keep the current government officials in check and to let them know that the era of Liberia being an “Elephant Meat” is over.
They then called for a total review of all the pending audit reports with no action need to be totally fast track and those who will be guilty of any fraudulent activities be dealt with according to the law.
“We will be back on May 22, 2018 anticipating your favorable response; because, Justice delayed is Justice denied! The culture of impunity must end and the future of Liberia is in your hands.
The Liberian words of wisdom “99 days for rogues 1 day for masters.” The day of the masters has come and we are demanding justice. The rebels and those who committed atrocities had always decided their fates. Now is the time the people of Liberia to decide what we want”.
Also speaking, a female who has gone with the team to ensure that justice is serve indicated that for too long Liberians who were killed, ill-treated cries has not been heard.
Madam Varbah B. Beyan said that during the civil unrest, women and children were the direct victims of the evil that was witnessed in the country.
“ I am here to call for justice for our sisters who stomachs were opened during the war to know what child they were carrying, I want justice for every Liberian who suffered at the hands of rebels” the female student indicated.
The petition was received by Gbapolu District#2 Representative Kanio Wesso, who promised the petitioners that they as the people’s direct Representatives will ensure that it be discussed.
But when the issue reached the House of Representatives plenary
House Speaker, Dr. Bohfal Chambers of the ruling CDC party said that the petition was wrongfully directed and called on the petitioners to withdrew their petition and properly direct it.
According to Speaker Chambers, the petition was directed to the National Legislature and not the House of Representatives. Mark N. Mengonfia also contributed to this report