By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye, Sr. was celebrated this week for making history in Liberia’s justice system.
The National Association of Public Defenders of Liberia honored the lawmaker at the Capitol Building for leading the push that secured US$200,000 for public defenders in the 2026 Supplementary Budget. It is the first time government has directly put money into the program since it was created.
The event brought together judges, lawyers, lawmakers, and public defenders from across the country. For many in attendance, it marked a turning point in how Liberia treats citizens who cannot afford lawyers.
A Long Overdue Win
Association President Cllr. Bestman Juah said the funding is a major breakthrough. For years, he noted, public defenders have handled heavy caseloads with almost no support — working with limited resources while defending poor Liberians in court.
“This money shows that the Legislature now recognizes the critical role public defenders play in protecting the rights of ordinary people,” Cllr. Juah stated.
“This Belongs to the Defenders”
In his response, Senator Moye said he was humbled by the award but insisted the real credit goes to public defenders who have “kept serving under tough conditions.”
“Our job as lawmakers is to make sure justice is not sold to the highest bidder,” Moye told the crowd. “Justice must be for everyone, rich or poor, as our Constitution demands.”
The Senator called the US$200,000 a good start, but not the finish line. With more criminal cases and courts opening in new counties, he said Liberia must do more to fund legal aid, provide better logistics, and hire more defenders.
“We shouldn’t stop here. This is just the foundation,” he said. “I will keep fighting for more budget support so our public defenders can do their work with dignity.”
Moye also urged the Judiciary, the Liberia National Bar Association, civil society, and international partners to join the effort to fix the justice system, reduce long pretrial detentions, and clear case backlogs.
What the Money Means
Once President signs the 2026 Supplementary Budget, the US$200,000 will go toward giving legal representation to poor defendants, strengthening public defender offices, and expanding services to counties that have little to no access to lawyers.
Justice advocates say the funding could speed up trials and help restore public trust in the courts.
For the first time, Liberia’s public defenders will have direct government backing — a move many are calling long overdue.
