By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – A 12-member jury began deliberations Friday in Criminal Court “C,” concluding weeks of heated testimony in the economic sabotage trial of former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and four other ex-officials. The case centers on L$1.055 billion and US$500,000 in contested joint-security transfers and is widely seen as one of Liberia’s most significant post-war corruption proceedings.
Prosecution, Defense Deliver Final Appeals
Tension ran high as both sides presented closing arguments. Prosecutor Cllr. Richard Scott Jr. urged jurors to convict, saying the defendants “betrayed public trust.”
“Bring them down guilty for stealing the Liberian people’s money—for criminal conspiracy, theft of property, money laundering, and criminal facilitation,” Scott told the panel. He argued the disputed funds belonged to Liberians and that the accused should face the same accountability as any citizen.
Defense counsel Cllr. Johnson pushed for acquittal, calling the verdict a test of Liberia’s democratic and judicial credibility.
“Today, the whole country is watching you,” he told jurors. “When you return a verdict of not guilty, you will be saving democracy and protecting the lives of future generations.”
Key Testimony Shaped Trial
Former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh emerged as a pivotal figure during the trial. His testimony and alleged role in the disputed transactions featured prominently in courtroom exchanges between prosecution and defense.
With closing arguments complete, the courtroom fell quiet as jurors retired to deliberate. Their decision will determine the outcome of a case that has drawn intense national attention and could set precedent for how high-level corruption is adjudicated in Liberia.
Credit: Spoon
