By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” at the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County has denied a request by former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs to travel outside Liberia for medical treatment, following an independent medical assessment ordered by the court in connection with the ongoing Rural Women Empowerment Funds case.
The decision, announced on June 16, 2026, follows a court-ordered evaluation conducted by a local independent medical institution to determine whether the defendant’s condition required treatment abroad. The assessment reportedly found insufficient objective medical evidence to justify overseas medical care at this time, leading the court to reject the application.
As part of its ruling, the court further instructed the defendant to remain compliant with the conditions of her criminal appearance bond and to adhere to a previously issued writ of Ne Exeat Republica, which restricts her from leaving the jurisdiction without court approval.
The application stemmed from proceedings in the high-profile Rural Women Empowerment Funds case, which is currently before the court and involves allegations of the alleged misappropriation of more than US$493,669.38 and LRD 190,345,028.26 earmarked for rural women empowerment initiatives across Liberia.
Eight individuals have been indicted in the matter and are facing multiple charges, including theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.
The ruling highlights the court’s reliance on independent medical verification in determining applications for medical travel, particularly in high-profile corruption-related cases where defendants seek treatment outside the country.
In a statement, the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a demonstration of due process and judicial independence.
AREPT noted that it has consistently maintained that requests for medical travel must be supported by credible medical evidence and that available local treatment options should be fully considered before approval for foreign medical care is granted.
The Task Force emphasized that while it supports strict enforcement of accountability measures in corruption cases, it remains committed to respecting the rights of all defendants under Liberia’s legal framework.
AREPT also reaffirmed its mandate to investigate, collaborate with the Ministry of Justice in prosecutions, and recover public assets for the benefit of citizens, while ensuring adherence to constitutional protections and due process.
