Allege Witness Tampering, Torture, and Unequal Treatment by Security Forces
MONROVIA – Four of Liberia’s major opposition parties are jointly calling for the immediate appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate claims of witness tampering, torture, and human rights violations linked to the ongoing Capitol arson case.
The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Alternative National Congress (ANC), Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), and Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) issued a strong joint statement on Monday, June 23, expressing serious concern over how the Liberian National Police and the National Security Agency (NSA) are handling the case.
While the opposition reaffirmed support for holding accountable those responsible for the December 2025 fire at the Capitol Building initially declared an act of arson they warned that the ongoing investigation is being undermined by gross misconduct and political interference that could lead to wrongful convictions.
Among the most troubling allegations, Thomas Etheridge claims he was removed from police custody and taken to NSA headquarters, where he was tortured for days and pressured to falsely accuse former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. Similarly, Andrew Lawson and Albert Weah say they were detained for eight days at an NSA facility, where they were beaten, forced to drink urine, and coerced into signing false statements also implicating Koffa.
Another account came from John Nyanti, who says he was lured to Monrovia under false pretenses and offered between $50,000 and $200,000 in a luxury hotel to testify against opposition figures. After refusing, he says he was illegally detained for 11 days before charges were brought against him.
The parties also condemned what they described as unequal treatment of suspects. They pointed out that four opposition lawmakers charged in the case were held in poor and harsh conditions, while a ruling party lawmaker facing the same charges was quickly released on personal recognizance.
“This is a clear violation of the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law,” the joint statement said.
The opposition is also questioning the integrity of the arson investigation itself, noting several unanswered questions—such as how suspects allegedly bypassed security at the Capitol, who removed furniture and cut electric wires before the fire, and why certain individuals seen on Capitol grounds just before the fire haven’t been properly questioned.
They cited specific sections of Liberia’s Penal Code that prohibit witness tampering and obstruction of justice, insisting that only an independent special prosecutor can credibly investigate these claims without a conflict of interest.
“Failing to address these serious concerns risks eroding public trust in our justice system and undermines our democratic institutions,” the parties warned.
The joint statement concluded with a direct appeal to President Joseph Boakai to act swiftly and appoint a special prosecutor to ensure fairness, accountability, and protection of the constitutional rights of all Liberians.
The statement was signed by Atty. Janga A. Kowo of CDC, Cllr. Lafayette O. Gould of ANC, Mr. James Yougie of CMC, and Mr. Prince G. Mehn of MOVEE. As of press time, the Liberian government has not formally responded to the allegations.
