MONROVIA – Today, the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) escorted journalists to Monrovia Central Prison to physically verify media reports that former Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, Cllr. Gloria Musu-Scott, and her co-defendants were released on “compassionate” leave by President Joseph Boakai. The visit aimed to clarify widespread rumors and provide a firsthand account of the situation.
Upon arrival, journalists questioned Cllr. Musu-Scott about the news of her alleged compassionate leave. She denied the reports, expressing deep disappointment over the dissemination of unverified information. “Like I said previously, the colony of Liberia was established since the early 1800s. So, Liberia has been around for more than 200 years. And for professional persons, professional institutions who have the institutional reputation to protect would not have done the due diligence after getting a story to verify, to have run with this issue that has taken on a global force of its own and then in the aftermath decide to come in very far. That’s my initial reaction and it’s from the bottom of my heart how sad it is because we read some of the publications the President has granted compassionate leave. Like I said, this is an old country,” Musu-Scott stated, highlighting her dismay at the premature and inaccurate media reports.
Recent media reports had claimed that President Boakai exercised his constitutional right to grant former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott compassionate leave. Compassionate leave, also known as compassionate release or executive clemency, is a process by which a prisoner is granted early release from prison due to exceptional circumstances. These circumstances typically include terminal illness, severe medical conditions, or extraordinary personal situations that warrant the prisoner’s release.
In the case of Madam Scott, President Boakai’s purported decision to grant compassionate leave was said to be made after careful consideration of her case. Scott, who was sentenced under controversial circumstances, has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Despite the prosecution’s inability to conclusively prove their case, the court found the former Liberian Justice Minister guilty, leading to significant public debate about the fairness of the trial and the integrity of the justice system.
The rumors of her compassionate leave had sparked discussions among legal experts and the public, raising questions about the fairness of the initial trial and the broader implications for justice in Liberia. The decision to allegedly grant compassionate leave to a former Chief Justice underscored the importance of ensuring that justice is not only served but is also perceived to be fair and humane.
In January of this year, Cllr. Musu-Scott and three others were sentenced to life imprisonment by Criminal Court A, in connection with the February 2023 murder of Charlotte Musu, who was found brutally murdered in her home. The high-profile case has been fraught with controversy, with many questioning the judicial process and the evidence presented.
Today’s verification by MICAT and the journalists aimed to dispel misinformation and ensure the public receives accurate updates. The incident underscores the critical role of media in upholding the truth and the importance of thorough verification before disseminating news that can have far-reaching implications.
The granting of compassionate leave, if confirmed, would not only be a significant legal development but also a reflection of President Boakai’s commitment to mercy, humanitarianism, and justice. As the public and legal community continue to debate the implications, the need for a transparent and accountable justice system remains paramount in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their status, are treated fairly and justly under the law.
