MONROVIA, Montserrado – The Liberian National Bar Association has commended a recent decision taken by traditional leaders to support the call for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.

According to the LNBA, such a court is necessary to hold accountable those who committed war and economic crimes during the Liberian civil conflict.

In a press release issued, the LNBA says it is completing the revision of the first draft bill for the establishment of the court, following several suggestions made by Liberian and foreign experts.

On September 9, after a weeklong conference in Monrovia, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders called on the government to speedily establish an economic and war crimes court to avoid the recurrence of the civil war or similar conflicts. The group also urged the Judiciary to be fast in prosecuting those that commit such crimes.

In a related topic, the LNBA called on the government to take serious actions against individuals still engaged in trial by ordeal, also known as ‘sassy wood.’ The group stated that the practice is illegal as it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1916.

LNBA called on the court to expedite the prosecution of those who were murdered in Rock Town, Maryland for their alleged involvement in witchcraft activities.

“Liberia is governed by respect for the rule of law and human rights,” the LNBA statement said. “There should be no place for any other form of justice that is inconsistent with the constitution of Liberia and the international human rights instruments ratified by the Republic of Liberia.”

Featured photo by Morine Pewee