Monrovia – Jonathan Williams, facing trial for allegedly murdering Journalist Tyron Brown, has finally found a lawyer after two weeks of search.
Report by Augustine T. Tweh, [email protected]
Louis Arthur School of Law professor, Cllr. Jallah Barbu agreed to represent the murder suspect in court but asked the court to grant him a week to review the case file.
Cllr Barbu made the plea on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 before judge Roosevelt Willie of Criminal Court “A”.
“We pray your honor to grant us a reasonable period of between now and the end of the week to review the matter and thereafter proceed to court at which time to determine what plea to make,” Cllr. Barbu pleaded.
According to Cllr. Barbu, he chose to represent Williams in court because every accused person is entitled to adequate representation regardless of the crime charged or committed.
Prosecutors resisted the Cllr. Barbu’s request, arguing that his request is merely intended to delay the trial. The prosecutors added that such delay undermines the ends of justice and frustrates other litigants whose matters are before the court.
“This court has exhibited same by granting the request made by the defendant some two weeks ago to procure the services of a lawyer to defend his legal interest,” prosecution contended.
The state lawyers also argued that it will be counterproductive to the rule of law if the court continues to grant the defendant successive adjournment to baffle justice and undermine the intent and the purpose of the Constitution.
Judge Willie, however, granted the Cllr. Barbu two days to acquaint himself with the case file. The trial is set to resume on Friday, August 31, 2018.
“We also note that under our organic law chapter 3, titled fundamental rights, Article 21 (F) provides for speedy trail and that provision is also enshrined in the international confident on civil and political rights to which Liberia is a signatory and has also ratified,” Judge Willie asserted.