Liberia: Judge Willie’s Removal Of ‘CDC-Affiliated’ Juror Triggers Constitutional Outcry, Denies Bid To Add New Defendant In Capitol Arson Trial

Monrovia – Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, on Tuesday ignited a sharp legal and constitutional debate after removing a seated juror solely because she is a member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), a decision lawyers say has no basis in Liberian law and raises concerns over judicial impartiality.

The juror, who had already been cleared by both prosecution and defense during the proceeding, was struck from the panel despite explicit constitutional protections.

Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely associate with any political party, and political affiliation is not listed among the statutory grounds for juror disqualification.

Adding to the controversy, Montserrado County Attorney had earlier acknowledged on the court record that the prosecution was fully aware of the juror’s CDC membership during selection but did not challenge her because “it was not an issue.”

Despite this concession, and no allegation of misconduct or evidence of bias, Judge Willie ordered her removal, a move defense lawyers condemned as “unprecedented, unconstitutional, and dangerous for the integrity of Liberia’s jury system.”

The development threatens to further complicate a trial already marked by delays, with several defendants still held without bond.

In a separate ruling Tuesday, Judge Willie also denied the prosecution’s attempt to amend the indictment by adding Representative Jerry Yorgbor, as of Montserrado District Number 12, as a new defendant.

Prosecutors argued the amendment was necessary, but defense lawyers pushed back forcefully, accusing the state of trying to “disband the entire jury” and restart proceedings.

Judge Willie agreed with the defense, noting that the prosecution’s request did not seek to correct a formal defect, the only legally permissible basis for amending an indictment under Liberian statute.

He cited the potential disruption to the trial, which is already underway with 14 jurors seated.

“Adding a new defendant at this stage would disrupt the trial,” the judge ruled.

Cllr. Wilkins Michael Wright, representing the defense, argued that incorporating Representative Yorgbor now, would require the court to redo several completed steps, unduly delay proceedings, and risk violating the rights of detained defendants.

The Capitol Arson case continues on Wednesday, December 3, amid heightened public scrutiny, intensifying legal wrangling, and growing questions over the neutrality and conduct of the trial.