In a dramatic development in the ongoing Capitol arson trial, Defense lawyers representing six co-defendants have filed a formal motion before Criminal Court "A" at the First Judicial Circuit, requesting the court to approve an independent medical examination for their clients. They argue that the JFK hospital, as a government entity, lacks the independence and impartiality required for a credible medical evaluation, particularly because it has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Justice to provide treatment for detainees.
The motion, filed on behalf of defendants Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac, Thomas Etheridge, and Stephen Broh, all accused in connection with the alleged arson at the Capitol Building, claims the defendants were subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment during arrest and detention by state security agents. According to the motion, agents of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) allegedly stripped the defendants naked in public view at the NSA and LNP Headquarters.
The document states that the agents went as far as forcing the defendants to bathe in front of each other, violating their privacy, dignity, and fundamental human rights. The defense counsel also claims that photographs and recordings were taken of the incident, worsening the alleged psychological trauma inflicted on the detainees.
The motion strongly objects to any medical examinations being carried out at John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Liberia’s largest public hospital, citing potential bias, the defense requests that a neutral team of independent medical professionals be allowed to assess the physical and psychological health of the defendants. This request stems from a request made by defense lawyers, stating in court that the defendants were allegedly sodomized by state security officers while in detention.
Author: Melvin Jackson
