The First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has denied a motion filed by the Clar Hope Foundation seeking to quash a subpoena issued by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPTF).
By Victoria G Wesseh
In a ruling delivered Tuesday, Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie rejected the Foundation’s attempt to block the Task Force from obtaining documents related to its operations, finances, and project activities.
Judge Willie held that the subpoena issued by AREPTF was consistent with its mandate to investigate and retrieve public assets allegedly misappropriated. He emphasized that no institution is exempt from lawful scrutiny, and that compliance with investigative processes is a requirement under Liberian law.
According to the ruling, the Clar Hope Foundation is ordered to produce all documents, records, and materials requested by the Task Force without delay. The court further warned that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including possible contempt proceedings.
The Foundation had argued that the subpoena was overly broad and infringed on its operational independence. However, the court ruled that the Task Force—established by the Government of Liberia to pursue asset recovery—has the authority to demand relevant documentation in the course of its investigations.
The case remains active as AREPTF intensifies its probe into matters concerning the Foundation’s activities and financing.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the Clar Hope Foundation have taken an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia, seeking a reversal of Judge Willie’s decision.
