MONROVIA – Tensions ran high at Criminal Court “A” on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as six defense lawyers in the ongoing Capitol Building arson trial were fined for contempt after resisting a court order mandating an independent medical examination of their clients.
The dispute unfolded during the 26th Day Jury Sitting of the August Term of Court. Defense counsel argued that they had only just received a response from the Prosecution regarding their earlier motion for an independent medical examination. They maintained that their clients objected to being examined at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), citing distrust and alleged bias, and instead requested another hospital.
Prosecutors countered that the defense was engaging in delay tactics aimed at stalling the trial. They insisted that the hearing was not to assign a hospital but to determine whether the case should move forward. The Prosecution clarified that they did not oppose the examination, provided it was carried out by a certified medical facility.
Presiding Judge Willie stressed that the trial could not proceed until the examination was completed. He underscored that the medical evaluation was essential to establish the mental and physical state of the accused, noting that factual issues in the case hinged on this determination. The judge cautioned the defense against undermining the authority of the court.
“If you do not trust the JFK for other reasons, as you claim in this case, you should have gone to the Supreme Court to put a halt to the order,” Judge Willie declared, emphasizing that court orders must either be obeyed or challenged through proper legal channels, such as a Writ of Certiorari or Prohibition.
The judge subsequently imposed fines totaling US$550 on the defense team. Cllr. Arthur Johnson, Cllr. Wilkins Wright, Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, and Cllr. James Kumeh, among others, were fined US$100 each, while one lawyer was fined US$50. Judge Willie ruled that the fines were necessary after evidence suggested the lawyers had advised their clients to defy the court order.
“Allowing such disobedience would undermine the authority of the judiciary,” the judge warned.
Earlier, the defense had filed a motion seeking an independent medical examination, alleging that their clients had suffered torture and sodomy while in state custody.
Meanwhile, Judge Willie postponed his much-anticipated ruling in the high-profile case, refraining from setting a new date. The decision leaves the trial, already one of the most closely watched in recent years, hanging in uncertainty.
