-As Justices Assign Public Defender in Contempt Case
MONROVIA — Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, walked out of the Supreme Court of Liberia on Tuesday after the Full Bench ordered the Public Defender’s Office to represent him in an ongoing contempt of court proceeding stemming from his repeated verbal attacks against the Judiciary. He is expected to be back in court today, Thursday, February 12.
When Prophet Key appeared before the nation’s highest court on Tuesday, he informed the Bench that he was without legal representation and lacked the financial means to hire a private lawyer. In response, the Court invoked constitutional safeguards guaranteeing the right to legal counsel, directing the Public Defender’s Office to immediately assume his defense.
Former Associate Justice Cllr. Wilkins Wright, addressing the matter from the Bench, emphasized that Liberia’s Constitution is unequivocal on the right of an accused person to be represented, regardless of the nature of the charge. He said the Court was duty-bound to ensure Prophet Key’s rights were protected, even as it considers allegations that directly challenge the authority and dignity of the Judiciary.
Prophet Key is facing possible contempt charges for what the Supreme Court has described as “continuous and sustained” public insults directed at the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court as an institution, and other Associate Justices. The Court has said the alleged statements—made largely through social media and public commentary—have subjected the Judiciary to ridicule and undermined public confidence in the administration of justice.
Following about an hour-long consultation with his newly assigned public defender inside the Temple of Justice, Prophet Key exited the court premises and briefly addressed journalists. He struck a conciliatory tone, stating that he respects the Liberian justice system and would comply with the Court’s processes.
“I respect the laws of Liberia and the justice system,” he said, adding that he was prepared to defend himself through lawful means.
The Supreme Court ordered Prophet Key to reappear before the Full Bench on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., to formally respond to the contempt citation. The order, issued through a communication signed by Cllr. Sam Mamulu, Clerk of the Supreme Court, requires him to show cause why he should not be adjudged in contempt.
The case is the latest development in a growing confrontation between the outspoken religious figure and Liberia’s Judiciary. In an earlier move, the Supreme Court formally cited Prophet Key after determining that his alleged remarks crossed the line from criticism into attacks that could weaken the authority and independence of the courts. While the Court has not publicly detailed the specific statements at issue, it has maintained that the pattern and severity of the remarks necessitated judicial intervention.
Legal observers note that contempt proceedings of this nature are rare but significant, as they test the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect the integrity of judicial institutions. The Supreme Court has stressed that the action is not intended to silence criticism, but to safeguard the rule of law and ensure that dissent does not erode respect for constitutional governance.
As the matter proceeds, attention will focus on Prophet Key’s next court appearance, where the Full Bench is expected to hear arguments from both the defense and the Court on whether his conduct rises to the level of contempt under Liberian law.
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