Resident Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A” has come under intense scrutiny following his decision to impose significantly stricter bail requirements on defendants accused in the sensational Capitol arson and conspiracy case, sparking a legal standoff ahead of the August term.
The case centers on more than a dozen individuals, including Thomas Etheridge, Christian Nyanti, Christian Koffa, and others, who stand accused of orchestrating a violent plot to disrupt legislative activities.
Prosecutors allege that in December 2024, the group coordinated attacks involving arson, chemical agents, and extensive vandalism aimed at lawmakers and security personnel.
Evidence cited includes audio recordings and a letter attributed to co-defendant Kivi Bah detailing a December 17 meeting near Jallah Town Road, where plans for the attack were reportedly finalized.
Initially, Judge Willie mandated two sureties per defendant with valid National Identification Registry (NIR) cards. However, in a swift and surprising move the following day, he increased the conditions, requiring four sureties per defendant, alongside proof of property ownership. These tougher measures affect defendants for whom a $6 million bond had already been posted.
The defence has sharply criticized the move as “excessively harsh” and potentially unconstitutional, with one lawyer alleging “judicial overreach” and hinting at political interference in an already volatile case.
The abrupt change led to delays during Tuesday’s proceedings, with defendants and sureties left uncertain about their legal standing.
Judicial insiders, however, defend the judge’s stance, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk that defendants might abscond given the serious nature of the offences.
The case is now slated for the August term, where the defence plans to challenge the bail conditions before higher courts.
Observers say the outcome could set a critical precedent for bail standards, due process, and judicial handling of politically charged cases within Liberia’s legal framework.
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