Liberia rice trial begins for former officials

The criminal trial regarding the alleged mishandling of a Saudi Arabian humanitarian rice donation has commenced in Monrovia, Liberia. A jury of 15 has been empaneled to hear the case involving 13 defendants, including former high-ranking government officials.

The case centers on a 2023 donation from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, consisting of 29,412 bags of rice intended for disaster victims. Prosecutors allege that approximately 25,054 bags, valued at roughly US$425,918, were improperly handled or diverted. The defendants face charges including theft of property, economic sabotage, abuse of office, and criminal conspiracy.

While the prosecution has withdrawn charges against former General Services Agency Director-General Mary Broh, other defendants, such as former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, continue to face trial. The proceedings follow the resolution of disputes regarding discovery documents and an amended indictment.