Cummings Expresses Disappointment in Court Ruling -Says Party Will Explore Options

The Political leader and Standard Bearer of the Alternative National Congress(ANC) Mr. Alexander B. Cummings has said that he is disappointed in the ruling by Judge Roosevelt Willie which reaffirms the earlier ruling handed down by Judge Jomah Jallah of the Monrovia City Court compelling him to produce the original copy of the framework document of the Collaborating political party and said in the wake of the ruling, the party is reviewing options open to it and will take a decision very soon moving forward.

“We are disappointed that this fundamental principle of law is being misapplied and we are asked to strangely and forcibly produce evidence against ourselves, particularly in a trial of this nature. Despite the preponderance of legal citations, precedents and authorities provided to substantiate this right, including the clear and straightforward language of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, we were surprised and disappointed by the incorrect and prejudicial ruling of the judge”, Mr. Cummings..

In a press statement issued after the ruling, Mr. Cummings said Judge Willie upheld the ruling of the Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court compelling him and his other co-defendants, whom he described as “falsely accused co-defendants”, alone with himself, to produce a subpoenaed document listed by the prosecution as the primary evidence the prosecution intend to use in proving their charges against the accused. He said the Judge appeared to rely on the unverified and unsubstantiated claim of the prosecution that the subpoenaed document exists, and somehow came into his (Cummings) possession and added that the Judge claimed incorrectly that the existence of the subpoenaed document “has not been contested”.

He said their appeal which is public record, was not only based on the legal right of all defendants at trial not to be compelled to furnish evidence against themselves, but also stated repeatedly, truthfully and consistently that the subpoenaed document does not exist, and has never ever existed. As such, what never existed cannot ever come into our possession.

The businessman turned politician said that the party is aware of their rights to seek a review of the ruling, including for the benefit of posterity. He however said that they are also mindful of the nature of the country’s judicial system, and especially the ploy of the prosecution to seek refuge in procedural and other delays so as to conceal their obvious inability to prove the crime politically charged against us.

“Accordingly, given all of the considerations, we are reviewing all of our options and will make a decision shortly on the way forward. As always, we will continue to be transparent and provide the truth in this matter based on the facts. We are undeterred and remain determined to change the system and bring REAL CHANGE to our country for the benefit of all Liberians”, the statement concluded.

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