Declares: ‘Gov’t building strong criminal cases capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny and securing lawful convictions’

PHOTO: Cllr Oswald Tweh, Justice Minister (above) and US$317 million cocaine seized by the Joint Security Task Force recently

BY Aruna Geopogui

‎MONROVIA, Liberia—Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh has reaffirmed the Liberian government’s commitment to conducting professional, impartial, and evidence-based criminal investigations, stressing that no individual will be prosecuted simply to satisfy public opinion or political pressure.

‎Speaking Thursday at the Charles Gbenyon Press Hall in Monrovia, Minister Tweh said criminal charges will only be brought when investigators have obtained sufficient, credible, and admissible evidence.‎

‎ He warned that unfounded allegations and speculation can undermine legitimate law enforcement investigations, damage the reputations of innocent individuals, and weaken public confidence in the country’s justice system.

In early June, security forces made the first cocaine bust at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) estimated at US$19.2 million. And then weeks later, there was a second more massive seizure of cocaine estimated to be US$317 million at a residence located in the VOA area on the Robertsfield Highway outside Monrovia.

‎The Justice Minister urged citizens who possess credible information related to ongoing criminal investigations to report it directly to the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Justice, or other authorized law enforcement agencies.

The public have been assured that all information received will be handled professionally and, where necessary, treated with strict confidentiality to protect those providing assistance.

‎‎Minister Tweh further assured the public that the Government of Liberia, working in partnership with international allies, including the United States, remains committed to ensuring that no one is above the law while upholding the principles of due process, personal security, and the protection of privacy rights throughout the investigative process.

‎He emphasized that the government’s objective is to build strong criminal cases capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny and securing lawful convictions where the evidence supports prosecution, nothing that Justice must be guided by facts and credible evidence, not speculation,” the minister said.

Cllr. Tweh reaffirmed that the government’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of Liberia’s justice system.