The Trial Of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Episode IV

The Trial Of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Episode IV

The genitor sweeps the jurors deliberation room. He saw a piece of paper on the floor in the corner under the chair the chief prosecutor was sitting yesterday. The prosecutor had scrabbled a few pointers, one of them read: “Ellen is the worse white collar criminal…” the janitor looked around and leaped, “Yes, she is wicked, let them deal with her,” he whispered.

            He was still looking at the paper when the foreman, Baccus, entered with five jurors. Johnny Nah and old man Vansayee Sackor were right behind Baccus and others. The seats all well arranged. At the head of the circle were three chairs, one for Cllr. Tuan Wreh and the other two for Cllr. Logan Broderick and Cllr. Moses Vah, former circuit judge of Grand Bassa County. They were on their way to the Grand Jury’s deliberation room. They had been brainstorming in Wreh’s office readying themselves to present the case before the Grand Jury.

            On the opposite side, Cllr. Clarence Simpson and Joseph Findley are securely position with defendant Sirleaf. The two lawyers have much less to do here. This was basically Prosecution-defendant-Jury affairs. However the Defense Counsels must be here to protect the legal rights of their client.

            Cllr. Findley leaned sideway to speak to Sirleaf, “You must prepare yourself to debunk the prosecution’s evidences against you, even though we have a slim chance here,” he whispered.

            “What do you mean we have a slim chance?” Sirleaf asked.

            “He means the Grand Jury is not where we have placed our best bet. They may indict you but you could be acquitted in the court,” Cllr. Simpson clarified. “Very few cases are thrown outside by the Grand Jury, so we don’t want to hope on it,” he added.

            “Silence…,” Matthew announced. “We will now have the prosecution to present their indictment for consideration by these prominent citizens of the land,” he noted.

            As he ended his comment, Cllr. Broderick rose to outline the charges. “We have come to request your approval, members of the Grand Inquest, for the following charges that the government of Liberia has drawn against the defendant,” he started.

            “Erh…erh…erh,” Cllr. Simpson cleared his throat. Broderick paused and turned to look at the defense lawyer. “Counselor, do you have something to say before I continue?”

            “Oh, no…continue, counselor,” Simpson responded. “I was just clearing my throat, sorry.”

            “Our first charge, honorable jurors, is Treason…High Treason,” he said and paused. He threw a glance at Cllr. Wreh. The chief prosecutor nodded. He signaled for the Broderick to continue.

            “We are also charging the defendant with Sedition, crimes against humanity, Murder, Aiding and abetting the NPFL to commit genocide, Criminal Malevolence…” He had hardly listed the 11-count charges when the Foreman interrupted.

            “Counselor, due to the gravamen of this case, we will take the charges one at a time,” he said. “Therefore, we would appreciate were you to start with the first charge and tell us how the defendant committed an act of High Treason,” the Foreman added.

            “Fine, sir,” Cllr. Broderick said. “You may be aware that Treason is a first degree felony. This crime, if convicted carries life imprisonment or death by hanging under the Liberian Penal Code.

            “So how did the defendant commit an act of treason,” one of jurors insisted.

            “Good question,” Broderick scanned over his notes, and continued.

            The first Liberian Code of Law Revised (1LCLR), which is referred to as the bible of the Liberian law; and backed by the Criminal Procedure Law and the Penal Code holds a person guilty if that he/she incites, instigates and/or commits acts to overthrow the government of Liberia.

            A person is also guilty of Treason if he/she wages war or attempts to wage war, if that person finances, gives moral or material support to a person or group of persons to overthrow the constituted authority of the Liberian government.

            “In 1983, honorable jurors, this defendant knowingly, maliciously, intentionally, wantonly, and purposely planned and instigated a group of Liberians, including former Liberian Army General Thomas G. Quiwonkpa to overthrow the Liberian government,” Broderick said.

            “As a result of that and by her singular action, this republic lost a well-trained and reputable general, Robert Saye. In the process, although that planned was foiled by and thru the gallantry of the Liberian security forces, scores of innocent people died, the Liberian government was in a state of destabilization, which elements are all part of treasonable offense,” Broderick added.

            “Gentlemen,” the Foreman interrupted again, “time being far spent, the Grand Inquest will take a recess and resume tomorrow at eight in the morning. Parties here all present, there would not need to further notice, and it is so ordered.” Matthew gavels the session to dismiss.

THE TRIAL CONTINUES.