Detained Human Rights Activist's Lawyers Demand Evidence

By: Patrick K. Wrokpoh

The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

April 29, 2003

Lawyers representing human rights activist Aloysius Toe, have requested the Criminal Court "A" to compel the state to provide all evidences in its possession linking their client to the crime of treason.

The defense lawyers in a two count motion, said their request is in keeping with statute law and practice.

They contended that the evidences the state claims to possess such as e-mail communications among others, should be made available before the trial progresses.

But the prosecuting counsel in its resistance to the motion, said it is a misconception and should not be granted by the court.

The state lawyers prayed on the court to deny the motion on grounds that it is contrary to certain provisions of the criminal procedure laws of the nation.

The state lawyers said it is their right to amend the list of witnesses it want to testify in the case, and has the right not to produce its evidences to the defense.

The court, presided over by Judge Josephus Boima Kontoe, reserved ruling on the matter pending the resumption of the case today.

Mr. Aloysius Toe*s trouble with the government began when he and other human rights crusaders, planned and organized a march in solidarity with journalist Hassan Bility and others whom the government had arrested for allegedly operating a LURD terrorist cell in Monrovia with the aim of assassinating President Charles Ghankay Taylor.

Mr. Toe was thereafter, declared a wanted man by the government after it claimed to have discovered documents from his (Toe) Gardnersville residence linking him to activities of LURD.

The documents according to the government, include an e-mail communication allegedly between Mr. Toe and LURD.

He was later charged with treason after he turned himself over to the government through the human rights community and religious leaders.


© 2003: This article is copyrighted by The Inquirer newspaper (Monrovia, Liberia) and distributed by The Perspective (Atlanta, Georgia). All rights reserved.