MONROVIA – The Human Rights Monitor Department of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has secured the release of 127 pretrial detainees from Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach).
The releases occurred between August 4 and September 29, 2025, following a series of legal representations, advocacy, and court interventions carried out by the Legal Aid Clinic Program, led by Mr. Jefferson B. Knight, Director of the Human Rights Department, and Rev. Cllr. J. Abel Knight, Associate Director for Legal Affairs of the Human Rights Department.
A progress report submitted to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, notes that the effort is part of ongoing efforts to decongest Monrovia Central Prison and ensure justice for indigent detainees held in prolonged pretrial detention.
During the period, the Legal Aid team represented indigent defendants at various Magisterial Courts, including Monrovia City Court, Bushrod Island Magistrate Court, and Brewerville City Court. Many detainees had been incarcerated for months without trial, facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to second-degree felonies such as Theft of Property, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Robbery, Criminal Mischief, and Burglary.
The report also indicates that some inmates were released after complainants abandoned their cases, while others benefited from motions for dismissal or transfer.
Notably, a mentally ill defendant accused of murder was transferred from Monrovia Central Prison to the J.S. Grant Mental Home at the J.F. Kennedy Medical Center for treatment following a court motion.
In addition to court representation, the Human Rights Department organized a one-day workshop for 24 participants and four facilitators drawn from 20 United Methodist Churches within the Monrovia District. The workshop covered topics including regionalization, marriage laws, and human rights as defined by Liberian law.
Jefferson B. Knight reaffirmed the LAC/UMC’s commitment to justice, fairness, and human dignity through legal advocacy and ongoing collaboration with the judiciary and correctional institutions through the Human Rights Department.
