Speaking to reporters outside the court.
Monrovia-Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has prohibited both defense lawyers and state prosecutors from granting public interviews or discussing the merits of the ongoing economic sabotage case involving former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah and others while the matter remains before the court.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The directive was issued by Judge Ousman Feika following concerns that recent public comments by lawyers on both sides of the case could undermine the integrity of the judicial proceedings.
According to the court, statements made in interviews with journalists after Thursday’s, March 12 hearing touched on substantive issues related to the case, raising concerns that such commentary could mislead the public or influence perceptions about the trial.
Among those who spoke to the media were Defense Lawyer Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson and Solicitor General Cllr. Augustine Fayiah, whose post-hearing remarks were reviewed by the court.
Judge Feika noted that comments attributed to the prosecution suggested that the defendants, including Tweah, had allegedly admitted guilt or confessed to the charges.
The court also expressed concern about remarks praising the presiding judge as a “no-nonsense judge,” indicating that such statements could create the appearance of bias or compromise public confidence in the neutrality of the judicial process.
In his ruling, Judge Feika emphasized that issues relating to the evidence, arguments, or legal positions in the case must be addressed strictly within the courtroom.
“The court is the appropriate place for legal arguments and the presentation of facts,” the judge stated, stressing that public commentary by lawyers on matters still under judicial consideration could interfere with the orderly administration of justice.
The court therefore ordered that all attorneys connected to the Samuel Tweah and others economic sabotage case refrain from discussing the case on any media platform while the trial is ongoing.
Judge Feika further warned that any lawyer who violates the directive risks being held in contempt of court, which could result in legal sanctions.
The case involving Tweah and several other defendants has drawn significant national attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved and the nature of the allegations linked to economic sabotage.
Legal observers say the court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s effort to maintain fairness, protect the integrity of the proceedings, and prevent the trial from being litigated through the media.
Proceedings in the case are expected to continue at Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, where both prosecution and defense teams will present their arguments in accordance with court procedures.
