In Line With The Rule Of Law
Let it be firmly stated: There can be no peace without justice, and no justice without the rule of law.–LNBA
Monrovia, Liberia –The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), which is the umbrella organization for lawyers, has called on the Justice Ministry handle the ongoing Capitol Building alleged arson case with the highest professionalism, as Garmah Never Lomo reports.
LNBA wants all parties concerned to adhere to the rule of law in the ongoing Capitol building alleged arson attack case.
The President of the LNBA, Cllr. Bornor Varmah said his Association has taken due note of the recent arrest and formal charges brought by the Liberia National Police (LNP) against certain members of the Honorable House of Representatives, including Honorable J. Fonati Koffa, Honorable Abu Kamara, Honorable Dixon W. Seboe and Honorable Jacob C. Debee.
Cllr. Varmah asserted that This development, occurring in the context of ongoing investigations relating to the burning of the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building, has understandably generated significant public and political attention.
In view of these unfolding events, the LNBA wishes to categorically call for calm, restraint, and the strict adherence to the rule of law by all parties concerned, including political institutions, sympathizers, and the general public.
He said, the LNBA emphatically reminds all that under the laws of the Republic of Liberia, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Accordingly, the burden of proof lies solely with the State, through the Ministry of Justice, to establish the guilt of the accused persons in accordance with the law. No person, regardless of title, status, political affiliation, age, or religion, is above the law. At the same time, every individual is entitled to due process and equal protection under the law.
The LNBA strongly urges the Ministry of Justice to take full charge of this matter and to handle the investigation and prosecution with the highest level of professionalism, impartiality, and legal integrity, as required by law. The process must be transparent, credible, and consistent with constitutional guarantees, especially the rights of the accused to a fair and impartial trial.
The LNBA calls all political parties and stakeholders to refrain from any acts or utterances that could incite the public, interfere with the administration of justice, or undermine national peace and security. Any attempt to politicize, manipulate, or exert undue influence on this process poses a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
The LNBA calls on the public to refrain from spreading unverified, false, or malicious information, which only serves to distort public perception and potentially inflame tensions. This is a critical moment for national reflection, unity, and maturity. We must all rise above partisanship and emotion, and allow the legal process to take its full and fair course.
Finally, the LNBA reiterates its unwavering commitment to defending the rule of law, safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, and ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor. The courts must be allowed to adjudicate the matter free from intimidation, threats, or external pressure. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.