Liberia: Kuoh denounces recordings as Judge Gbeneweleh orders disclaimer published

FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh has rejected a recording circulating on social media in which a voice alleged to his is bragging about how he called Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to influence a recent injunction filed against the Liberia Football Association (LFA).

Appearing at the Civil Law Court in response to a contempt of court on 6 April, Kuoh said he doesn’t have the number of Koung least to talk about calling him.

He said he hasn’t heard any conversation in person apart from seeing Koung in the media.

Kuoh attributed the recordings to a desperate propaganda from the LFA, having been signed for a document that doesn’t belong to them and as the lead aspirant in the pending LFA elections.

He reaffirmed his respect and trust in court and reminded it about the artificial intelligence (AI) in which someone’s voice can be mimicked.

Following his submission, Judge Peter Gbeneweleh said he was aware that the court is the last hope for men on earth and has never been influenced or controlled since he became a judge more than 20 years ago.

He recounted some of the high profile case he has decided based on the controlling law, including the treason case against the government.

Kuoh was ordered to publish his disclaimer in three local dailies and aired on five radio stations.

He reminded the court about his apology, which was immediately published by Verity New Online on 27 March, which we reprint below.

I have been made aware of a purported audio recording currently being circulated on social media and other platforms, in which it is falsely alleged that I engaged in a conversation aimed at influencing a judge of a Court with the involvement of the Vice President of the Republic.

Let me state this clearly, firmly, and without any reservation:

That recording is false, malicious, and a complete fabrication.

At no time have I ever engaged in any such conversation, nor have I sought, directly or indirectly, to influence any judicial officer.

I categorically disassociate myself from the said recording and any suggestion contained therein.

This is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a broader and deliberate campaign by certain elements associated with the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to: discredit ongoing judicial proceedings, undermine the authority of the Court, and damage candidacy in the ongoing LFA electoral process.

The timing of this fabricated recording, coming immediately after the lawful issuance of an injunction by the court, is not accidental. It is calculated. It is desperate. And it is dangerous.

Let me be equally clear on this point:

The independence of the judiciary is not negotiable.

Any attempt to blackmail, intimidate, or scandalize the Court through fabricated materials must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

I have approached the courts in good faith, relying on the Constitution and the rule of law to resolve legitimate legal questions. I will not, and have never, sought to subvert that process.

I urge the public, stakeholders in football, and all well-meaning Liberians to:
disregard this malicious recording, and allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.

I remain committed to a transparent, lawful, and credible football administration grounded in integrity and respect for the rule of law.
No amount of propaganda, fabrication, or intimidation will deter me from pursuing what is right.