Highlighting Liberia’s Ongoing Land Rights Struggle
By Cecelia Diamond Morlue, Communications Assistant
Monrovia, Liberia — Green Advocates International Communications Secretariat: Lawyers representing defendants charged in connection with the June 27, 2024 incident at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) plantation in Weala, Margibi County have filed a motion before the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia seeking dismissal of the case.
The motion cites violations of the defendants’ constitutional and statutory right to a speedy trial.
The defendants, described by counsel as community advocates and human rights defenders, were arrested following allegations of property damage and threats against SRC personnel. They deny the charges. A writ of arrest was issued by the Baypolu Magisterial Court on July 5, 2024, and the Grand Jury of Margibi County indicted them on March 5, 2025. The case was later transferred to Criminal Court “A” under Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie.
Defense lawyers argue that more than two terms of court have passed since the indictment without trial, in violation of Section 18.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law and Article 21(f) of the Liberian Constitution. Although defendants are on bail, they must report regularly to Monrovia, incurring financial hardship and disruption to their livelihoods.
The motion contends that the prosecution has failed to diligently pursue the case and that keeping the indictment pending amounts to an abuse of process. The court has not yet assigned a date to hear the motion, though judicial officials indicate an assignment is expected in the coming week.
Beyond the criminal proceedings, the defendants are also engaged in a land dispute with SRC. Community members claim customary ownership of land under the concession and intend to pursue declaratory judgment proceedings. A reconnaissance survey initiated through the Liberia Land Authority was reportedly halted on the instruction of the Margibi County Attorney, though no written order has been produced.
Defense counsel, led by Cllr. Adolphus Kanwa, has advised that the Ministry of Justice should assign a representative to participate in the survey to assess the land area and determine its status. Legal observers note that disputes between concession companies and host communities remain common in Liberia, often involving complex questions of customary land ownership, environmental protection, and community rights.
The court’s decision on the pending motion to dismiss will determine whether the criminal case proceeds or is terminated.
Issued by:
Green Advocates International Communications Secretariat
Contact: Communications Specialist Albert Baron Ansu
Email: mrucso.gai@gmail.com
Cell: +231 880 805 731