MONROVIA, Liberia – December 2, 2025: Proceedings in Criminal Court “A” grew increasingly contentious on Tuesday after Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie ordered the removal of a seated juror on grounds of alleged political affiliation, drawing strong protests from defense lawyers.
The juror, Antoinette Mulbah (J30-9550), was excused following a prosecution motion alleging she is an member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and chairs lady of the party’s in District #13. The State submitted photographs it claimed showed her participating in partisan activities. but the Juror told court that she is not the chair lady for district #13, but coordinator and member of the CDC.
Defense Condemns Ruling
Defense lawyers immediately objected, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated. They accused prosecutors of engaging in “deliberate delay tactics” meant to disrupt the trial and undermine the jury’s neutrality.
Defense arguments included:
The 1986 Constitution forbids discrimination based on political association, including in civic duties such as jury service.
The photographs submitted by the State were insufficient and unreliable as evidence.
The Court previously denied a similar request involving Juror 130-9819, also removed based on alleged political activities.
The Defense further invoked Article 17, which guarantees freedom of association, and warned that removing jurors because of political membership threatens the impartiality of Liberia’s justice system. One defense counsel described the ruling as “dangerous and unprecedented.”
Judge Upholds Removal
Judge Willie acknowledged the Defense’s formal exceptions but upheld his decision to excuse Juror Mulbah. The removal has intensified concerns about political interference in the high-profile corruption case involving former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, three sitting lawmakers, and several co-defendants, many of whom remain detained at the Monrovia Central prison.
Court Sets Schedule, Orders Witness List
Following the juror dispute, the Court allotted the Prosecution 20 minutes to present the theory of its case. The matter was then scheduled to continue on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., when the State is expected to begin producing witnesses.
Before adjournment, Defense Counsel asked the Court to compel the Prosecution to provide a complete and detailed witness list before the end of the workday. The Prosecution responded that it had disclosed the witnesses named in the indictment but agreed to supply additional names as required. Judge Willie subsequently ordered the State to submit the full list of intended witnesses by December 2, 2025, and suspended proceedings. the continuation of trial is set for Wednesday morning.
