Liberia Supreme Court clears way for Capitol arson trial

Liberia’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition filed by former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and his co-defendants, allowing the high-profile Capitol Building arson trial to proceed. The ruling by Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. overturns a temporary stay order that had halted the case.

The defense had challenged a decision by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to disband the trial jury and declare a mistrial, arguing that the move was legally unjustified and violated constitutional rights. While the Supreme Court validated the judicial authority to dissolve the jury, legal experts have raised concerns regarding ‘Double Jeopardy’ protections under Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution.