New Justice Minister  Pledges Impartial Justice -Rejects selective and political prosecutions, Targets Drug Cartels

MONROVIA – Acting Justice Minister and Attorney General Betty Lamin-Blamo entered office with Liberia watching how prosecutors handle corruption, narcotics and politically sensitive cases. Her assumption statement directly addressed fears that state prosecution can be sharpened against opponents and restrained for allies. Lamin-Blamo pledged that evidence, law and the required standard of proof would determine every charging decision. She also promised lawful searches, proper warrants, access to counsel and humane custody conditions, even when public anger is high. On drugs, she vowed to pursue importers, financiers and protectors while building cases capable of surviving appeal. The speech set a demanding benchmark for the ministry. The ministry must earn confidence through transparent decisions, equal treatment and competent investigations. THE ANALYST reports.

MONROVIA — Acting Minister of Justice and Attorney General Betty Lamin-Blamo has pledged to lead the Ministry of Justice through evidence-based prosecution, equal enforcement and respect for constitutional rights, declaring that she will neither pursue political adversaries with zeal nor treat allies with reluctance. Lamin-Blamo made the commitment while assuming office and acknowledging public concern that prosecutorial power could become an instrument of politics.

Evidence Must Govern

She thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for first nominating her as minister and subsequently appointing her acting attorney general while the Legislature is in recess. She described the office as a solemn trust and thanked her family for supporting her return to public service.

Lamin-Blamo praised outgoing Justice Minister and Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh for leading the ministry and helping maintain stability.

She promised to build on his foundation, consult him when necessary and keep the government and Liberian people as the ministry’s only clients.

Addressing fears of selective justice, Lamin-Blamo declared that cases would be brought only when supported by evidence. Decisions to prosecute, she stated, would rest on facts, law and the standard of proof rather than political affiliation, county of origin or whether a person had fallen out of favor.

Support and Accountability

She appealed for cooperation from the solicitor general, county attorneys, city solicitors, police, immigration officers, corrections personnel, drug-enforcement officers and administrative staff. The acting minister promised accessibility, employee consultation and firm support for personnel who perform their duties properly.

Lamin-Blamo urged ministry employees to learn from fair criticism without allowing careless attacks to define them. She credited investigators and prosecutors with disrupting trafficking networks and winning cases, but warned that anyone who used the ministry for private gain or traded state interests for personal favor would face the law.

Corruption and Drug Trafficking

Calling corruption a form of cancer, Lamin-Blamo pledged collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission and Financial Intelligence Agency to investigate, charge and pursue corruption cases through judgment.

She also identified illicit drug trafficking as an urgent threat destroying young Liberians. The ministry, she declared, would pursue importers, traders, financiers and protectors, strengthen regional and international cooperation and judge success by properly built cases and convictions that survive appeal.

Rights Remain Protected

Lamin-Blamo rejected the argument that Liberia must choose between security and civil liberty during dangerous times. Citing Article 20 of the Constitution, she promised lawful searches, proper warrants, timely charges, access to counsel, voluntary statements and humane treatment for detainees presumed innocent.

She further pledged accountability when state officers abuse citizens, regardless of the citizen’s popularity or the officer’s connections. Cases involving serving or former officials, politicians and powerful corporations would receive close examination, she added.

The acting minister promised that no person would stand above the law or beneath its protection. She said prosecutors would follow evidence without manufacturing outcomes and would explain charging decisions, including decisions not to prosecute, whenever fairness and the law permit.

“Public confidence is not won by speeches,” Lamin-Blamo declared, asking Liberians to judge the ministry by its record. She thanked the President, ministry employees and the Liberian people for the opportunity to serve.