MONROVIA — Grand Kru County Senator Albert Chie has underscored the need for the establishment of a fast-track corruption court to ensure the speedy prosecution of those who have been accused of committing economic crimes in the country.
By Obediah Johnson
Senator Chie is the immediate past Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate.
He observed that alleged economic crimes committed by individuals and institutions during the civil war in Liberia do not constitute international crimes and as such, these perpetrators should be dealt with in keeping with the Liberian laws, including the Penal Code and prosecuted at a corruption court here.
He made these comments when he addressed Legislative Reporters at the Capitol Building in Monrovia over the week end.
Senator Chie does not want war perpetrators to be prosecuted or face trial along with those who committed economic crimes at a war and economic crime court or tribunal.
He stressed that the form and manner prescribed in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), calling for the establishment of a tribunal must be adhered to.
He said though the Senate has mandated its relevant committee to peruse a document and advance recommendations on ways forward for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in the country, constitutional and other legal issues must be taken into consideration to guarantee justice for victims of war.
“There are other recommendations in the TRC report. For example, the state of apology that should be offered by the President, the reparation trust fund to help victims of the war and victimized communities and the palava hut program where perpetrators and victims can come face to face and discuss.”
“The Senate position was yes, we want justice but there are constitutional issues if you want to establish the court in Liberia. If you want to establish the court outside of Liberia, there’s no issue. We cannot circumvent the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. It’s constitutional under our law. We are not saying we don’t want war crime court, but it should be done in the ambiance of our law and constitution.”
Senator Chie pointed out that he has been “waiting long time” to exonerate himself from accusation levied against him by the United States government, through its State Department.
He was sanctioned along with his immediate family members for alleged acts of corruption.
But Senator Chie (who has consistently denied the allegation) vowed to follow all of the necessary processes and procedures to clear his name.
“The burden of prove is on the accuser. Even the charges they listed-bribing the legislature, mining activities, I am waiting for them to bring the evidence any day and any time.”
Speaking further, Senator Chie graded the Unity Party (UP) led-government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai 80% less than three months since its inception.
He said though all is not rosy, the current government has been exerting efforts to maintain the peace and move the country forward, but there exist governance issues that need to be addressed.
Senator Chie further called on President Boakai to include the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) on the Assets Recovery Team he established in the country.
He observed that the Terms of Reference of the team would usurp the functions of the GAC and LACC and as such, the Liberian leader should ensure that both commissions execute the tasks.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the manner and form in which the government, including the executive and legislative branches delayed and lately responded to the protest staged by the wives of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
The aggrieved women, at the time, setup road blocks for nearly a week demanding the newly confirmed Minister of National Defense Prince Johnson to step down for his alleged failure to improve the living conditions, salaries and benefits of soldiers while serving as Chief of Staff.
The situation prompted the resignation of Mr. Johnson.
Senator Chie stated that government should have held a dialogue with the aggrieved protesters to discourage them from staging the protest.
Senator Chie added that the government did not also take the necessary actions to prevent the loss of lives and the damage of properties worth thousands of United States dollars during violent clashes between armed police officers and aggrieved citizens in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County.
“While our country tried, there were few missteps and issues of governance. If you ask me what grade I will give the government from today, I will give them about 80%.”