Harper – Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in southeastern Liberia have strongly criticized the Harper Circuit Court and the County Attorney’s Office over ongoing delays in justice delivery, citing prolonged detentions, judicial inaction, and lack of access to legal services.
By Peter P Toe Jr, contributing writer
Speaking at the opening of the May Term of Court on Monday, May 12, 2025, Mr. Thomas Mawolo, Southeastern Coordinator of the Civil Society Organizations of Liberia, raised serious concerns to Resident Judge Cllr. Nelson Togba of the 4th Judicial Circuit Court.
“Our monitoring of the Harper Central Prison shows that many detainees are being held without trial,” Mawolo said. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and the current state of our judiciary is eroding public trust.”
Mr. Mawolo accused the County Attorney’s Office, led by Cllr. Philip G. Whiegar, of being routinely closed and unresponsive to citizens in need of legal redress.
“The County Attorney represents the Ministry of Justice and should be accessible, but his office is persistently shut. This negligence is damaging Maryland County’s justice system,” he stated.
Citing a case involving the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP), which has remained unresolved since 2022, Mawolo said, “Three years have passed with no judgment. This court is playing with people’s lives, and that behavior creates public frustration and distrust.”
He also pointed out that many accused individuals are being detained without sufficient evidence or prompt trial, which he said further clogs the legal process and undermines constitutional rights.
In response to the criticism, Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie of the Supreme Court of Liberia acknowledged the delays but defended the judiciary’s procedures.
“Justice takes time because proper investigation and due process are essential. Rushing cases without full evidence can compromise fairness,” she said during the program.
As of press time, Maryland County Attorney Cllr. Philip G. Whiegar has not responded to the allegations regarding his office’s inaccessibility and lack of action on pending cases.
The CSOs are calling on the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary to intervene and ensure that Maryland County residents receive timely, fair, and transparent legal services.
“Justice should not be a privilege for a few—it must be a guarantee for all,” Mawolo said. “Maryland County deserves better, and we are demanding accountability now.”
