MONROVIA – The Assigned Circuit Court Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, His Honor Judge George W. Smith, has accused Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., of violating his universal human right to health after allegedly denying his request for reassignment to a circuit closer to medical care facilities.
Judge Smith disclosed on Monday, November 10, 2025, during the formal opening of the November Term of Court in Barclayville, Grand Kru County, while delivering his Judge’s Charge.
According to Judge Smith, his appeal to the Chief Justice sought reassignment to a circuit near Monrovia, where his doctor and adequate medical facilities are located, at least to a circuit that provides access to a referral hospital other than those in Grand Kru, Sinoe, or River Gee Counties.
However, he said, Chief Justice Gbeisay refused to honor his request, allegedly citing judicial reform, rebranding, and the need to maintain work ethics and discipline within the Judiciary as reasons for the denial.
“This is excessive abuse of power, an ardent desire to flex authority. This is oppression, suppression, and authoritarianism — the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom — my universal right to freedom of personal health,” Judge Smith declared.
Judge Smith further revealed that after the Chief Justice denied his health-related request, he reminded him to ensure the Judiciary refunded the US$3,280 he personally spent with the acquiescence of the Court Administrator to pre-finance repair work at the Civil Law Court, where he was previously assigned.
He stated that the Chief Justice promised to discuss the matter with the Court Administrator and revert to him but never did.
“I informed him that I urgently needed this money to underwrite my medical expenses, among other things. After my discharge from the hospital, I reminded him again. Knowing that I was about to leave Monrovia for my new assignment — and without showing the least empathy for my medical condition — he demanded that I write him a formal letter,” Judge Smith said.
He described the situation as “not an act of good-faith judicial reform or rebranding,” but rather an abuse of power inconsistent with the principles of workplace ethics.
Quoting Article 8 of the Liberian Constitution, Judge Smith noted that “the Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens humane conditions and promoting health.”
He also cited Article III(B) of the Convention on the Right to Health, under the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights and the World Health Organization (WHO), which states:
“The obligation to respect one’s right to health requires States and others to refrain from interfering directly or indirectly with that right. The obligation to protect requires States to prevent third parties — in this instance, the Chief Justice from interfering with the right to health.”
Judge Smith said he was compelled to make this public disclosure in exercise of his constitutional right to free speech, warning that any violation of his and his family’s universal human right to health would not absolve the Chief Justice from personal legal liability should any harm come to him.
“I give notice to all, particularly the Chief Justice, that the violation of my right to health will not absolve him from legal responsibility in his personal capacity,” he emphasized.
