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Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Republic of Liberia, has vowed that anyone found to have played a role in the Capitol Building fire, whether a lawmaker or not, will face the full weight of the law.
Speaking at the Ministry of Justice during the official dedication of vehicles for prosecutors, Cllr. Tweh stressed that the safety and security of the Liberian people remain the government’s top priority.
He confirmed that investigations into the fire have concluded that the incident was an arson attack, a first-degree felony under Liberian criminal law. “Anyone implicated will be given their day in court, in accordance with due process,” Cllr. Tweh stated.
The Justice Minister emphasized that no individual, regardless of their position, would be shielded from justice. “The Ministry of Justice firmly asserts that it will not protect or fail to arrest any individual involved in this crime. Whether a lawmaker or an ordinary citizen, anyone implicated will face the same legal consequences,” Cllr. Tweh declared.
Clarifying the legal framework, Cllr. Tweh referenced Article 42 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, noting that while lawmakers enjoy certain protections from arrest, these do not extend to felony charges. He reaffirmed that should a lawmaker be implicated, due process will be followed, and appropriate legal actions will be taken.
“We urge the public to refrain from misrepresenting the facts surrounding the Capitol Building fire. Unfounded statements and incitement to violence are harmful to the investigation process,” he added.
The Minister assured the public that the Ministry of Justice is committed to adhering to legal processes as established by law, promising transparency throughout the investigation.
Regarding allegations of torture in the ongoing investigation, Cllr. Tweh rejected claims made by Thomas Etheridge, a person of interest in the case. Etheridge, a staff member of House Speaker Fonati Koffa, recently accused security forces of coercion, fabrication, and abuse during his interrogation. The Ministry of Justice strongly condemned these allegations, calling them false and detrimental to the investigation.
“These statements are part of a dangerous pattern of misinformation aimed at undermining the rule of law and inciting unrest,” said Cllr. Tweh.
He urged the public to remain calm and support the government’s efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the arson attack. “We ask all citizens to respect the law and cooperate with authorities as we continue our investigation,” the Minister concluded, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to justice and accountability.
