MONROVIA: Liberians awoke to the news of attempts by the Boakai administration to renew investigation of “mysterious deaths” that took place during the reign of its predecessor. A couple of deaths took place, including those of government auditors, principally the former Director of the Internal Audit Agency, Barten Nyeswa. To this vein, the National Police has issued a summon on former top officials of the Weah administration for investigation, calling them “persons of interest”. While accountability and transparency advocates see this move as timely and necessary, unlike some who smell witch-hunt, some think the full trademark of the unquestionable transparency by including all deaths deemed suspicious even including those taking place right now under the Boakai administration and during the Unity Party’s first reign. A new sensation on Liberia’s civil society bloc, STAND, is taking that way as well, thus welcoming the rewinding of Nyeswa’s death probe while calling for a holistic investigation of all known mysterious deaths in the country with no status of limitation. The Analyst reports.
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has released a statement praising the Liberia National Police (LNP) for reopening the investigation into the death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, former Director of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA).
STAND believes that the LNP’s commendable decision to reopen the investigation into the unresolved death of Mr. Nyeswa will foster a climate of justice in Liberia, strengthen the rule of law, and provide closure for his family.
This significant step, STAND avers, underscores the undeniable fact that true democracy and the rule of law cannot thrive in the absence of accountability and justice.
Considering these facts, STAND in a press release emphasized that the police’s decision to reopen the Barten Nyeswa murder case must remain resolute, following the trail of evidence without hesitation.
STAND also urged the Liberia National Police to broaden the investigation to include all unsolved murders up to now, such as the mysterious deaths of auditors, security officers, and instances of electoral violence.
The organization called on the government to into portfolio of death-related investigation several other incidents that include unresolved death of Albert Peters, Internal Auditor, LRA, the unresolved death of Gifty Lama, Research Analyst, LRA/Tax Payer Division, and George B. Fahnbutu, Revenue Auditor, LRA.
The civil society group also wants a revisit of the deaths of Agent Melvin Earley, EPS Officer; Sgt. Bobby Manneh, Officer, AFL; Amanda Nebo, Police Officer of the LNP and others.
“While noting that the LNP has identified several individuals, including high-level officials from the previous government, as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation into Mr. Nyensuah’s alleged murder,” STAND also urged the police to “follow the evidence impartially, regardless of where it leads, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of every accused are protected.”
STAND also cautioned the LNP to conduct the investigation within the boundaries of the law, remaining vigilant to avoid partisan biases or errors that could undermine justice and create gaps in the system, allowing perpetrators to evade prosecution.
It reiterated that while this action by the Liberia National Police is long overdue, it is a step in the right direction expected of any civilized nation and responsible government.
According to the group, ensuring justice, upholding the rule of law, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing closure to families facing suspicious deaths are fundamental responsibilities that no government can indefinitely ignore or “sweep under the carpet”.
Reminding the Boakai administration of its moral obligation to uphold its promises, STAND encouraged the President to ensure that justice prevails, particularly for victims of injustice and families who have lost loved ones.
STAND also questioned how Ms. Queen Johnson, once identified by the Liberia National Police as a “person of interest” in the investigation of Joshua Solomon’s mobbing death, is now a government employee and seemingly free from prosecution.
“As STAND awaits answers, it is hoped that Madam Johnson, whose current whereabouts have been traced to the National Port Authority, will either be brought before the court to face charges of murder or be released only by a competent judicial authority,” said the civil society organization.
While advocating for an equitable justice system for every Liberian citizen without bias, STAND emphasized that true justice can only be achieved when the investigation and prosecution processes are credible, transparent, and free from political interference.
“STAND therefore calls on the Liberia National Police to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and honesty in pursuing these all police investigations,” it said further.
“Nevertheless, considering the complex intricacies and potential political considerations that may inevitably arise,” STAND stressed, recommending that the Boakai administration seek the assistance and support of independent bodies, including international partners, to ensure an unbiased and nonpartisan investigation into these national tragedies.
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