MINNEAPOLIS – The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has wholeheartedly declared its support for the resolution seeking the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
In a press release, ALJA expressed its strong endorsement of the establishment of a court dedicated to addressing war and economic crimes committed during and after the Civil War era. ALJA says the decision reflects the determination of the Liberian people to hold accountable individuals who bear the greatest responsibilities for the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of properties during the conflict as well as the urgent need to address rampant public corruption, which has for too long permeated the governance system of Liberia, leaving in its wake, massive inequality, poverty, and the dearth of essential social services and infrastructure in Liberia.
For too long, accountability has eluded the Liberian populace, and ALJA firmly believes that the establishment of such a court will signal an end to the culture of impunity as well as serve as a deterrent against future wrongdoings. ALJA calls upon the Liberian Senate to endorse the resolution seeking the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, recently approved by the House of Representatives.
At the same time, ALJA commends President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for his decisive action in establishing an Assets Recovery Task Force charged with the responsibility of recovering public assets wrongfully acquired by public officials.
ALJA believes the Taskforce will help restore credibility, accountability, and transparency in the governance process and end the alarming trend by which unscrupulous public officials convert public assets into private use.
ALJA wants President Boakai to appoint Liberians with the highest standard of propriety and qualifications to the taskforce to ensure efficiency in the retrieval of stolen public properties and the prosecution of culprits.
The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas is a 501 (C) 3 organization founded by former Liberian journalists based in the United States in 1998 and revived in 2014 after a period of dormancy. ALJA advocates for good governance, rule of law, democracy, freedom of speech and of the press and provides capacity building for practicing journalists and media institutions in Liberia.
