By Jacqueline Dennis
After a joint property bond, valued at US$500,000 and secured by a property deed worth US$6 million was approved, Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie denied the defense lawyers’ request to release several defendants in a high-profile arson case.
Judge Willie stated that even though the bond was approved, it does not automatically grant the court the authority to release the defendants without a hearing on the criminal appearance bond. This ruling, issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025, has garnered significant attention from legal professionals, the public, and some family members, who believe that the judge approved the bond knowing he would not release their relative.
The defense lawyers strongly argue that the defendants’ rights have been violated, claiming that it is unconstitutional and unfair for the court to withhold their release after the bail bond was approved. They contend that once the court has acknowledged the bond’s validity, the defendants should be released without further delay. The defense has requested that the court suspend the hearing on the criminal appearance bond and release the defendants, a request that Judge Willie denied.
The defense lawyers emphasize that all charges against the defendants are mere allegations, and they maintain that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Furthermore, they argue that the prolonged detention of their clients is a violation of their rights. In this case, the defendants have been held at the Monrovia Central Prison since January 2025. The bail bond was submitted to the court on July 7, 2025, and subsequently approved.
Despite the bond’s approval, the defense argues that Judge Willie is still withholding their release, which they view as a fundamental violation of their rights. They point out that these defendants, along with four lawmakers who face similar charges, are out on bail, suggesting that the purpose of the criminal appearance bond is solely to ensure that defendants appear in court. They believe that everyone has the right to be released before the hearing as long as the crime is bailable
“You require us to bring human sureties, to what is too important for the defendant to be in jail, it is unfair, because the court has approved the bond the people should be released. When you take one step further, for us to bring human sureties, we think you should remain on the right course. By keeping them in jail to prove what?” one of the defense lawyer wonders.
