MONROVIA, Liberia — Assigned Circuit Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh has warned prosecutors to be prepared to present their principal witness on Friday or face possible legal action as the trial of Peter Bon Jallah continues before Criminal Court “E.”
Jallah is facing charges of gang rape, statutory rape and kidnapping. He has pleaded not guilty and elected to have the case heard through a bench trial.
The warning came Wednesday after prosecutors requested a two-day continuance, informing the court that their principal witness, identified during the proceedings as the alleged victim, was not psychologically prepared to testify.
According to the prosecution, the witness is experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and requires psychosocial counseling before giving evidence.
Prosecutors told the court that a psychosocial counselor had advised that the witness undergo at least two days of counseling to prepare for testimony. They therefore requested that the trial resume on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Defense Raises Reservation
Defense counsel did not object to the continuance but expressed reservations, arguing that the prosecution should be ready to proceed when the case returns to court on Friday.
The defense maintained that the latest postponement should not become another basis for further delaying the trial.
Judge Wesseh granted the prosecution’s request but made clear that the court expects proceedings to move forward on Friday.
Court Reviews Case History
In explaining its position, the court reviewed the history of the case.
According to court records, Jallah was indicted during the February 2026 Term on allegations involving gang rape, statutory rape and kidnapping.
He was subsequently severed from other defendants who are reportedly still at large.
The court said Jallah was arraigned on June 19, 2026, during the 108th Day Jury Sitting. He pleaded not guilty and elected to have the case determined through a bench trial.
The prosecution later filed a motion seeking a change of venue. The motion was denied, prompting prosecutors to seek intervention from a Justice in Chambers.
The Justice declined to issue the requested writ and instructed the trial judge to proceed with the case in accordance with law.
The matter was subsequently assigned for a full-blown trial beginning August 5.
Judge Stresses Speedy Trial Rights
Judge Wesseh emphasized that Jallah, like every criminal defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court also underscored the defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy and impartial trial, particularly given the length of time the case has remained pending.
The judge warned that the court would not tolerate another continuance on the same grounds if the prosecution’s principal witness is absent when the case resumes Friday.
The prosecution has therefore been ordered to return to court at 10:00 a.m. on August 14 with its witnesses prepared to testify.
The court further indicated that it reserves the right to employ available legal measures should the prosecution again seek to postpone the proceedings.
Balancing Witness Support With Speedy Trial
The development highlights the challenge facing prosecutors as they attempt to balance the need to provide psychosocial support to an alleged victim with their obligation to move the criminal proceedings forward.
While the court has granted the latest continuance, Judge Wesseh’s warning signals that further delays could trigger additional judicial action.
For now, the prosecution is expected to appear Friday with its principal witness and proceed with the presentation of its case.
Meanwhile, Peter Bon Jallah remains presumed innocent, and the allegations against him have yet to be established by evidence before the court.
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