Liberia: Court Denies Prosecution’s Request to Televise Cummings’ Trial

Monrovia – Monrovia City Court Judge Jomah Jallah on Wednesday denied the prosecution’s request to televise an ongoing trial involving ANC Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings and two officials of his party.

During his appearance last Thursday, January 6, at the start of his trial, State Prosecutors filed an motion to the court praying that the proceeding be televised so that Liberians in and outside the country can view the proceedings due to its crucial nature.

But defense counsel objected to the request on grounds that there is no law that permits televising trials in Liberia and that such has never taken place in any criminal proceeding in a court.

“The Legislature has not created any law for that, and the provision of the Constitution was wrongfully cited by the prosecuting lawyer,” Cllr. E. Oratio Gould stressed.

“The right to a speedy trial is reserved for the defendant to ensure a speedy trial, but did not in any way provide for a speedy trial to be televised,” Cllr. Gould maintained.

Cllr. Gould craved the court to deny the motion which he believes is intended to politicize the proceeding.

Following both arguments on whether to or to not televise trial Judge Jallah reserved ruling in the case.

However, during his reappearance on Wednesday, January 12, Judge Jallah quoted Rule 11 of the Judicial Canon of Liberia, which he said prevents live coverage in court, including taking pictures, recording, among others.

Judge Jallah maintained that granting such application to the state would be improper and reversible to the law and there is no precedence to such pleading, thereby denying Prosecution’s plea.

Following Judge Jallah’s denial of Prosecution’s request, Cummings and officials to include Secretary-General Aloysius Toe and Chairman Senator Daniel Naateh at the same time pleaded not-guilty in open court, thereby joining issues with the state.

Cummings and his officials’ not guilty plea have shifted the burden on government to prove the allegations against them.

Following the Defendants’ plea, Defence Lawyer led by Cllr. Abraham B. Sillah instructed prosecuting lawyers to surrender all evidence in their possession, ranging from the zoom meeting, executive committee chat, and all others in their possession to prosecute his client as provided by law.

Meanwhile, the Wednesday hearing was adjoined, pending notice of assignment by any of the parties.