By Jacqueline Dennis
MONROVIA – In a significant turn in the ongoing high-profile arson and attempted murder trial, Criminal Court “A” has granted a motion filed by defense lawyers seeking an independent medical examination for their clients, who claim they were tortured and sodomized while in state custody. However, the defense team has swiftly objected to the court’s choice of medical provider, citing concerns over impartiality.
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie on Tuesday, September 10, ruled that the medical assessments be conducted by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, an internationally recognized medical provider operating in the United States, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.
The court has ordered the Liberia Bureau of Corrections to transport the defendants to AMI for examination, and directed that the Ministry of Justice bear all costs associated with the evaluations.
The examinations must be completed and submitted to the court no later than 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, according to the court order. A formal communication is to be sent to AMI, informing them of the court’s decision and the timeline for compliance.
Defense Raises Red Flags Over AMI’s Impartiality
Despite winning the motion for an independent medical assessment, the defense team rejected the court’s appointment of AMI, arguing that the institution maintains contractual ties with both the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP)—the very entities accused of abusing the defendants.
Defense lawyers cited the case of Thomas Etheridge, one of the co-defendants, who reportedly collapsed following alleged torture during interrogation. They claim Etheridge was previously taken to AMI, where he was diagnosed with malaria, despite visible signs of abuse that they argue were ignored or overlooked.
“This is the same facility that treated our client and refused to acknowledge his injuries,” one defense lawyer told The Liberian Post. “That raises serious questions about their independence.”
The defense insists that only an independent panel of physicians, free of government affiliations, can credibly evaluate the alleged physical and psychological impact of the defendants’ treatment while in state custody.
Court Fines Defense Lawyers Over Alleged Contempt
In a separate development during Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Willie found six members of the defense team in contempt of court, citing non-compliance with a prior order, based on a report read by the Court Sheriff. Those sanctioned include prominent attorneys Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson and Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright, each fined US$100, while Atty. Wilma Blaye Simpson was fined US$50.
The Court ordered that all fines be paid into the Judiciary Account no later than 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with receipts submitted to the Clerk of Court.
The defense team has strongly rejected the contempt ruling, arguing that the Sheriff’s report was based on a return allegedly authored by the prison superintendent, not an official court officer, and therefore constitutes inadmissible hearsay.
“This is not a proper return. The superintendent was never brought in to testify or be cross-examined. This is not due process,” a defense attorney argued.
Judge: “Obey or Challenge—But You Must Comply”
Responding to the controversy, Judge Willie emphasized that any order from the court must be either obeyed or formally challenged through the Supreme Court, warning that outright defiance would not be tolerated.
“When this Court issues an order, it must be obeyed,” the judge stated. “If you don’t trust JFK, you can file a motion asking the Supreme Court to halt the process. But you don’t just refuse. No lawyer does that and goes free. If we allow that, this Court will descend into chaos.”
The Judge’s remarks appear to respond directly to defense resistance to a previously proposed examination at JFK Medical Center, which the defense rejected over similar concerns about neutrality, citing JFK’s memorandum of understanding with the Justice Ministry for treating pretrial detainees.
Background: A Trial Marked by Allegations of Abuse and Rights Violations
The case has drawn national attention due to the seriousness of the charges and the explosive nature of the defendants’ claims. The accused are facing multiple charges, including:
- Arson
- Criminal mischief
- Conspiracy
- Solicitation
- Intent to commit murder
- Aggravated assault
- Illegal possession of firearms
- Release of destructive forces
- Reckless endangerment
- Theft of property
The defendants allege that they were tortured by officers of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) following their arrest. Their motion for an independent medical examination details claims of physical abuse, sodomy, blurred vision, and urinary complications, including “reddish urine”—symptoms they say stem from injuries sustained during interrogation.
The motion marks the latest legal effort by the defense to document what they describe as “a pattern of human rights abuses” aimed at coercing confessions and undermining the defendants’ ability to receive a fair trial.
What Comes Next
With the deadline for the medical examination report looming, all eyes now turn to AMI’s response—assuming the facility accepts the court’s request—and whether the defense will formally escalate its objections to the Supreme Court. The decision could set a precedent for how claims of custodial abuse are independently verified in Liberia’s legal system.
