Monrovia – The Temple of Justice was a scene of drama and controversy on Monday when Thomas Etheridge, the prime suspect in the Capitol Building fire incident, collapsed multiple times during a court hearing. Etheridge, accompanied by his lawyers and family members, appeared before Criminal Court B following a writ of habeas corpus filed by his lawyer, seeking his immediate release from what they termed as “unlawful detention.”
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected] and Victoria Wesseh, [email protected]
Background
Etheridge, a resident of Brewerville, was arrested near the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, but was not charged within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period. His lawyer, Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi of the International Law Group, filed the petition, alleging unlawful detention and inhumane treatment by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
The petition cited violations of several constitutional provisions, including Article 20(a): Guaranteeing liberty, security, and due process; Article 21(e): Prohibiting torture and inhumane treatment of detainees and Article 21(f): Mandating that arrested individuals be charged and presented in court within 48 hours.
Etheridge alleges he was tortured, coerced to provide false statements, and subjected to waterboarding, beatings, and threats, including being thrown into a snake pit.
“As soon we got upstairs, the first thing they did, they butt-naked me,” he said. “They told me that one man can never fight government. They had two persons that formulated statements indicting me. But I told them that I was innocent. They wanted me admit that I bought gas and called people to burn the building. But every time I said I was innocent, they would hit me, knocked me on the ground and beat me for more than five minutes. They threaten to sodomize me and f–k with me.”
Hearing Developments
Judge Kaiboi Nuta, presiding over the case, ordered Etheridge’s release into the custody of court-approved guarantors who must ensure his immediate transfer to a credible health facility. The court mandated a medical report be submitted by January 16, 2025.
“The issue of life and health is of paramount concern,” Judge Nuta said, emphasizing the court’s inability to verify Etheridge’s physical condition or provide custody while ensuring medical care.
The government, through its legal counsel, denied the allegations of torture, describing them as “malicious and misleading.” The Ministry of Justice and security agencies defended Etheridge’s detention as compliant with legal standards and claimed the LNP and NSA operate with professionalism.
Courtroom Drama
Drama ensued when Etheridge, en route to the hospital, was intercepted by a Sheriff from the City Court bearing another writ. Court officers escorting Etheridge refused to hand him over, resulting in a physical altercation during which Etheridge collapsed. He was later transported to the AMI Expeditionary Health Center on First Street, Monrovia.
Public Outrage and Allegations of Abuse
Etheridge’s claims of torture and mistreatment have sparked public condemnation. Citizens and civil society organizations are calling for accountability and urging the joint security forces to conduct impartial investigations.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman, speaking last week, announced that the Capitol fire was an act of arson, citing evidence that ruled out electrical faults. However, Etheridge’s ordeal has raised questions about the investigation’s credibility.
Amos Wesseh, a concerned citizen, criticized the police’s methods, saying, “You don’t gather compelling evidence by torturing innocent people.”
“We are watching. As we said from the very beginning. this is a witch hunt against the CDC and Its partisans and lawmakers. But their plan failed,” said Ismael Weah, a member of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change.
Political Reactions
Rep. Musa Hassan Bility, chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus, earlier issued a statement condemning the alleged abuses. He called for the immediate release of individuals detained in connection with the Capitol fire and urged the international community to intervene.
“Liberia’s hard-won peace and democratic progress are under threat. The government’s recent actions signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism,” Bility warned. “We will not tolerate the creation of a police state.”
Calls for Justice
Etheridge’s ordeal has raised concerns that other suspects may be held in similar conditions, facing torture and intimidation to extract confessions. Critics warn that such actions could undermine Liberia’s fragile democracy and rule of law.
The court is scheduled to reconvene on January 16 to assess Etheridge’s health and the legality of his detention. Public eyes remain on the case as the nation grapples with allegations of abuse, threats to civil liberties, and calls for accountability.
