Unknown men attack home of Supreme Court Associate Justice

06 Novembre 2017

Monrovia, Liberia, November 6 (Infosplusgabon) - The Supreme Court of Liberia has condemned “in the strongest terms” an attack on the home of an Associate Justice on Sunday evening by unknown persons.

The court said in a statement on Monday that the unidentified persons pelted large stones into the compound of Associate Justice Mrs Sie-A-NyeneYuoh, “intending to cause harm to persons living within the compound as well as cause damage to properties”.

Justice Mrs Yuoh is the wife of Member of Parliament Edwin Melvin Snowe, who was re-elected in the 10 October polls, and is a staunch member of the ruling Unity Party, serving on its national campaign team.

The court commended the Liberia National Police for its “swift response to the attack” and said it trusts that the lives and properties of all Liberians will be continuously protected.

The Court re-emphasised that, as provided by law, no Justice of the Supreme Court Bench, nor Judge of subordinate courts, to include courts of records and those not of record, are to engage in political activities.

The statement pointed out that judges are to remain neutral at all times so as to dispense fair and impartial justice should the case arise out of such activities.

It recalled that based on the commitment to performing its constitutional responsibility in regard to the democratic transition, the court was foregoing its normal “term break” and remaining open throughout the electioneering process until a president is duly elected and inaugurated.

“This is to avail the Court to all persons or parties participating in these elections to include the National Elections Commission (NEC),” the apex court noted.

The Supreme Court stressed that its adjudication of elections matters, and all other matters brought before it, is strictly based on a fair, honest and impartial interpretation of the constitution and statutes relevant to the matter being adjudicated as is humanly possible.

The Supreme Court of Liberia on Monday granted the Writ of Prohibition filed by the opposition Liberty Party (LP) on the results of the first round of presidential election held 10 October that stalls the run-off scheduled for 7 November.

Chief Justice Francis Korkpor, in the court’s ruling, asked the National Elections Commssion (NEC) to go back and investigate the allegations of the Liberty Party and rule in the case. It added that, if need be, the party could revert to the Supreme Court for redress.

Justice Korkpor said until this is done, the NEC should not proceed with the run-off election scheduled between Senator George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and incumbent Vice president Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party (UP).

The Chief Justice urged the NEC to “expeditiously” proceed with the investigation to clear the way for the run-off.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/GHO/GABON 2017

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