Monrovia – The Civil Society Consortium of Liberia has endorsed a joint statement from four opposition political parties, demanding the immediate appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate alleged abuses and misconduct in the Capitol arson case.
By Jaheim Tumu
In a release issued on Tuesday in Monrovia, the Democratic Watch Initiative and the Liberia CSO Watch Network, operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Consortium, asserted that allegations of torture, witness tampering, and political persecution cannot be ignored. The Consortium comprises five legally registered organizations.
The group characterized the case as a troubling breakdown of law and due process. They highlighted reports of illegal detention, coerced confessions, physical and psychological abuse, and attempts to silence witnesses. The Consortium specifically named Thomas Etheridge, Andrew Lawson, Albert Weah, John Nyanti, and Christian Koffa as alleged victims of a pattern of abuse by state security actors.
Concerns were raised regarding constitutional violations, particularly the right to bail and fair treatment as guaranteed by Article 21 of the 1986 Constitution. The Consortium also questioned the credibility of ongoing investigations by the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice, stating that these institutions cannot effectively investigate themselves amid serious claims of bias and misconduct.
On Tuesday, four major opposition political parties issued a joint call for President Joseph Boakai to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate allegations of police misconduct, witness tampering, and mishandling of evidence in the ongoing Capitol arson case.
The parties—Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Alternative National Congress (ANC), Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), and the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE)—voiced their concerns in a statement released on Monday, asserting that the current investigation has been marred by irregularities that threaten the integrity of the justice system.
“Because the police and the Ministry of Justice cannot investigate themselves, we believe that the appointment of a special prosecutor—with a letter patent authorizing the investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct, witness tampering, and the mishandling of evidence—will best serve the interests of justice… It is not only the rights of Liberian citizens under the Constitution that are at stake, but the Constitution itself,” the joint statement said.
The opposition parties said they were alarmed by reports surrounding the investigation and arrest of lawmakers and private citizens linked to the Capitol fire—initially declared arson by police investigators.
“We are concerned and wish to bring to the attention of the Liberian public and our international partners issues of grave concern regarding the investigation and arrest of certain lawmakers and other Liberian citizens… Based on the facts and in accordance with the law… we request the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute proven instances of witness tampering by certain members of the Liberian security forces.”
Echoing the opposition’s demand, the civil society group called for a Special Prosecutor who is fully independent with the authority to uncover the truth, protect witnesses, and ensure transparency. They also urged the release or formal charging of individuals in prolonged detention and demanded the publication of all investigative findings for public accountability.
The Consortium warned that the manipulation of justice, especially in politically sensitive cases, could lead to international backlash and jeopardize Liberia’s democratic stability. The statement clarified that this stance is “not a political endorsement, but a principled stand for truth, fairness, and institutional credibility.”
The group urged President Joseph Boakai to act decisively and appoint a Special Prosecutor without delay.
The release was signed by Mark Mulla, Chairman of the Democratic Watch Initiative, and Wilmot Gibson, Chairman of the Liberia CSO Watch Network, both affirming the Consortium’s commitment to justice and the protection of constitutional rights for all Liberians.
