MONROVIA – The government has once again sought a change of venue in the murder case involving former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott and three members of her family. This marks the second attempt by state prosecutors to move the trial out of Monrovia due to concerns over potential bias stemming from significant public sentiment.
On August 2, 2023, the prosecution filed a motion for a Change of Place/Venue, arguing that the presence of a large audience, including supporters of the defendants, during previous court proceedings and discussions about the case in the courthouse courtyard had compromised the impartiality of the trial. They also cited incidents where crowds gathered during the defendants’ appearances in court and at the prison, which they deemed detrimental to the defendants and prison staff.
However, just a week after filing this motion, on August 7, 2023, the government surprisingly withdrew its request for a change of venue without providing a reason for the abrupt reversal. This decision left many observers puzzled and speculating about the government’s motives.
Legal experts following the case have suggested that certain factors should be present to justify a change of venue, such as threats to the defendants’ safety or a hostile environment. Some argue that these conditions might not be met, as the state controls security in the country and could ensure the defendants’ protection. They also suggest that the initial change of venue petition may have been an attempt to influence the court unfairly, potentially violating the defendants’ constitutional rights to a speedy and fair trial.
Now, less than a month after withdrawing the first request, government lawyers have filed a second motion for a change of venue, citing the same grounds as before. This action has raised concerns among interested parties, including the Musu family spokesperson, who views it as a deliberate delay tactic aimed at prolonging the case and keeping the defendants in jail without a speedy trial.
The defense has countered the government’s move, arguing that it is an attempt to deny the defendants their constitutional right to a speedy and impartial trial, as guaranteed by Article 21(h) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. They contend that the state’s petition merely recites the criminal procedure code and does not raise valid reasons for a change of venue.
In addition to their resistance to the change of venue, the defendants have filed a motion requesting a second autopsy on the body of Charloe Musu. They claim that they have hired certified forensic experts to conduct the autopsy and provide an alternative forensic and medical opinion, as the prosecution intends to use the findings of the initial autopsy as evidence in the upcoming trial.
