Monrovia-Confusion and growing public scrutiny continue to surround the government’s handling of the jurors who served in the high-profile criminal trial involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and his co-defendants, after three members of the 15-person jury were reportedly released while the remaining 12 continue to be held for investigation.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The development comes amid an ongoing inquiry following the controversial proceedings in Criminal Court “C”, where the jury returned its verdict in one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption-related cases.
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter, the three jurors who were released were among those who reportedly voted guilty during the jury’s deliberations, while the 12 jurors who remain in detention are those who allegedly voted not guilty.
FrontPageAfrica has not independently verified how individual jurors voted, as jury deliberations are ordinarily confidential.
Sources familiar with the matter further alleged that the three released jurors expressed a willingness to provide investigators with additional information regarding events surrounding the case.
FrontPageAfrica has not independently verified those assertions.
Judicial sources also told FrontPageAfrica that Criminal Court “C” has since turned the matter over to the Ministry of Justice for further investigation.
The selective release of only three jurors has raised questions about the basis upon which authorities decided to free some jurors while continuing to detain the others.
When contacted by FrontPageAfrica, Ministry of Justice Communications Director Jutonu Y. Kollie said he was not aware of the matter, adding that he did not have information regarding the reported release of the three jurors or the continued detention of the remaining 12.
His response comes as the Ministry has yet to issue any formal public statement explaining the status of the jurors or the legal framework governing the ongoing investigation.
The latest development follows days of heightened legal and political attention after the conclusion of the Samuel D. Tweah trial, a case that has generated significant national debate over accountability, due process, and the administration of justice.
As questions continue to mount, legal analysts say greater public clarity from the relevant authorities will be essential to maintaining confidence in the judicial process.
However, no court has found that the Ministry of Justice acted improperly in connection with the investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the jurors’ detention and release remain under official review.
FrontPageAfrica will continue updating this developing story as more verified information becomes available.
