MONROVIA – Women Non-Governmental Organization Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has called on Liberian Government to invite an independent expert investigation to ensure a speedy trial in the case of former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott.
According to the Executive Director of WONGOSOL Esther Davis Yango, the call is based on background amidst the quest for justice for Charloe Musu,
Madam Yango made the statement over the weekend stating that WONGOSOL is closely following the process for a speedy trial in the case.
According to her, On June 22nd June 2023, the former Chief Justice, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott and the three other family members – Gertrude Newton, Rebecca Wisner, and Alice Johnson – were arrested and charged with murder, criminal conspiracy and false reports to law enforcement.
She maintained that WONGOSOL advocates for adherence to the rule of law and expects the government ensure that the accused are given a fair trial, stressing that WONGOSOL expresses regret over the death of Charloe Musu, and demands justice. She pointed out that no one should lose their life in such a manner.
She noted that the Constitution of Liberia, the UN Universal Declaration on People’s and Human Rights and the Maputo Protocol give all persons the right to life.
“Concerning the accused, our concern is drawn to the unclear investigative procedures employed by the Liberia National Police and the weak judicial system, where most often, the accused are not given a fair trial and access to justice is denied to victims/survivors” she added.
Madam Yango asserted that in line with WONGOSOL, they mandate to protect and promote the rights of women and girls as well as advocate for equal and affordable access to justice and the promotion of transparency and accountability.
According to her, WONGOSOL is concerned by the persistent abuses of the constitutional and human rights of Liberian women and girls, lack of protection and access to justice.
She explained that the Liberian women, under one umbrella in a mass action for justice held on 2nd March 2023, at the Capitol Building, presented a petition to the government through the legislature requesting accountability, a transparent investigative process and access to justice for Charloe Musu.
“We deem it unfair for the Liberia National Police to have left representation of the women out of the investigation completely and come out informing the public that selected members of the public were part of the investigation after four months,” she said.
According to Madam Yango, the Women of Liberia under one banner requests to form a full part of the access to justice processes, especially, relating to issues affecting the women and girls of Liberia’s peace and security.
“We therefore call on the Liberian Government to invite international independent investigators to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation on the Charloe Musu case” She maintained.
She said the Liberian Government is under the obligation to provide an impartial and open inquiry to determine what happened and bring to justice all those found liable for committing the crime.
“It is the responsibility of the State to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of all citizens against any form violence, threats, retaliation, discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of legitimately exercising of rights referred to in the Liberian Constitution and UN Declaration on Human Rights” she noted.
