MONROVIA, Montserrado – Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, one of five justices of the Supreme Court, was on Sunday, November 5, attacked by unknown persons.

According to a Supreme Court press statement, the attack on Yuoh occurred at her ELWA residence at about 9:00 p.m.

The press statement signed by Darryl Ambrose Nmah, the court’s official spokesperson, condemned the attack on Youh.

Nmah indicated that unknown persons threw large stones into Youh’s compound, intending to cause harm to residents, as well as damage to properties.

He said the court applauds the Liberia National Police for their swift response to the residence.

Moving forward, Nmah said the court emphasizes that, as provided by law, no justice of the court nor judge of subordinate courts, are to engage in political activities.

“They are to remain neutral at all times so as to dispense fair and impartial justice should the case arise out of such activities,” he said.

Nmah stated the court has upheld such provision of the law not only for justices of the Supreme Court or judges of subordinate courts throughout the country, but to the extent of the entire judiciary branch of government, including judicial staff.

He mentioned that as Liberia begins its transformation from one democratically elected government to another, after twelve years of peace and stability, the court, through Francis S. Korkpor, chief justice has expressed its commitment to perform its constitutional responsibility by foregoing its normal term break and remaining opened throughout the electioneering process until a president is duly elected and inaugurated.

Accordingly, Nmah added that the Supreme Court again re-emphasizes that its adjudication of election-related matters, and all other matters brought before it, is strictly based on a fair, honest, and impartial interpretation of the constitution and statutes relevant to the matter being adjudicated as is humanly possible.

“The court will never and can never adjudicate a matter brought before it based on the sentiments, desires, whims or caprices of a contending party or the public, but rather based on the fundamental principles of the constitution of Liberia and the relevant statutes controlling,” he wrote.

“The Supreme Court, therefore, calls on all to guard and protect the rule of law and the fundamental rights of all living within Liberia.”

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah