Liberia: Judge Wesseh Warns Against Prolonged Pretrial Detention, Urges Prison Reforms as August Court Term Opens

MONROVIA – Criminal Court “B” Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh, Sr. has vowed that courts under his gavel will aggressively push for the timely trial or release of pretrial detainees during the August A.D. 2025 Term, warning that prolonged detention without trial violates Liberia’s Constitution.

Delivering his formal charge at the opening of the August Term on Monday, Judge Wesseh declared that “the court shall continue to be the last hope for mankind on earth,” and pledged that justice would be dispensed “without fear or favor.”

Citing Article 20(a) of the 1986 Constitution, he said judges will not hesitate to free accused persons—whether charged with serious or minor offenses—if prosecutors fail to indict or try them within statutory limits and cannot show good cause for continued detention.

As of July 31, 2025, Liberia’s prison population stood at 2,181 pretrial detainees and 1,159 convicts. Judge Wesseh described conditions in the facilities as “appalling” and backed incoming Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr.’s call for a new national prison to ease congestion at the Zwedru Palace of Correction and other detention centers.

He also called on the Liberia National Bar Association to strengthen its legal aid program to better represent detainees, and urged magistrates to use alternative measures, such as releasing defendants under supervision, to reduce unnecessary incarceration.

Judge Wesseh lamented a decline in trial skills among some prosecutors and public defenders in rural counties, urging the Ministry of Justice and Public Defense Office to implement regular training to improve courtroom practice and case management.

Praise for New Chief Justice and Judicial Vision

The opening ceremony also paid tribute to outgoing Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh for her “transformative initiatives” and expressed confidence that Justice Gbeisay will continue her five-year development plan for judicial infrastructure.

Judge Wesseh extended gratitude to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. for nominating His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. The judge praised the decision to select a nominee from within the ranks of the judiciary, stating that the Liberian Judiciary is “best served when a Justice is nominated from the bench.”

He expressed hope that the incoming Chief Justice would continue the five-year development plans initiated by former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh.

These plans include the construction of a new Temple of Justice and new judicial complexes in counties currently without functioning court buildings, as well as the construction of additional magisterial courts nationwide.

Prioritizing Pretrial Detention Cases

Judge Wesseh concluded with a stern warning to prospective jurors to take their civic duties seriously, pledging to punish misconduct, and ordered that the court premises remain clean at all times.

Deplorable Prison Conditions Highlighted

Judge Wesseh revealed that as of July 31, 2025, there were 2,181 pretrial detainees and 1,159 sentenced inmates nationwide. While noting these figures might seem low compared to neighboring countries, he stressed that the “obnoxious prison conditions” and “dilapidated and unsaved structures” create an unbearable environment for inmates.

He joined the new Chief Justice in calling on the Ministry of Justice to construct a new national prison facility to help decongest overwhelmed detention centers, particularly the National Palace of Correction in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. Wesseh warned that failing to address these issues could weaken the criminal justice system and highlighted the constitutional prohibition of “torture or inhumane treatment” outlined in Article 21(e).

Addressing Concerns for the Bar and Jurors

Judge Wesseh also expressed concerns about the professional standards of some newer lawyers, particularly prosecutors and public defense attorneys. He noted a decline in courtroom skills and trial techniques compared to a decade ago and called on the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Public Defense to implement continuous training programs. He clarified that his observations were not intended to cast doubt on attorneys but to emphasize the need for ongoing legal education to maintain judicial standards.

He also addressed prospective jurors, calling on them to be “studious and committed to your civil duties.” He warned that any juror failing to attend court sessions without legitimate reason would be subject to penalties, including jail time.

The judge concluded by calling for a clean court environment and warned that anyone littering on court premises would be prosecuted. With these remarks, Judge Wesseh formally declared the Criminal Assizes Courts A, B, C, D, and E of the 1st Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, open for the August Term A.D. 2025.