By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
Monrovia: A prominent voice on human rights and justice reform, Dempster Brown, has sharply criticized Liberia’s prosecution system, warning that delays in trials and widespread indictment without due process are undermining human rights and weakening the country’s fight against corruption.
Speaking at a recent anti-corruption training in Monrovia, Brown stressed that the core responsibility of prosecutors is to promote and protect human rights not to violate them through procedural failures.
“Corruption violates the rights of citizens because it deprives them of their livelihoods,” Brown said, adding that the justice system must remain mindful of both victims and the accused.
Representing concerns from the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, Brown revealed that during a recent visit to Criminal Court “A,” he was presented with numerous documented cases, many of which remain stalled despite indictments being issued.
According to him, a troubling pattern has emerged within the justice system where prosecutors continue to indict individuals without proceeding to trial.
“Prosecutors joke with prosecution. They indict every day without trial,” he asserted.
Brown cited provisions within Liberia’s criminal procedural law, particularly Articles 18.1 to 18.2,
and explained that indictees are entitled to trial after two successive court terms. Failure to proceed, he noted, legally empowers the defense to file for dismissal. “If lawyers fail to proceed, the defense counsel must apply for dismissal for failure to prosecute,” Brown emphasized. “So why indict without trial? You are wasting government resources.”
He further warned that prolonged detention without trial constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that due process must be strictly adhered to. “Keeping individuals in prison without trial is a violation of their rights. There has not been due process, and due process is what prosecutors must follow,” he said, describing the situation as one of “so many indictments, no trials.”
Brown also raised concerns about the slow pace in establishing a specialized anti-corruption court, questioning the government’s commitment to tackling corruption. “How long will it take to establish the anti-corruption court?” he asked. “It raises serious concerns about whether the government is truly committed to fighting corruption or merely bluffing.”
He warned that powerful individuals implicated in corrupt practices may be deliberately obstructing reforms, including the establishment of both the War and Economic Crimes Court and the proposed Anti-Corruption Court. “Those who steal public money are powerful. Some are in the Legislature and will resist these courts. They will fight back and attempt to undermine the system,” Brown cautioned.
He added that such individuals may seek to manipulate the judicial process, further complicating efforts to ensure accountability. Brown called for the immediate establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption court, arguing that existing courts, including Criminal Court “A,” are overwhelmed and unable to effectively handle complex economic and corruption-related cases.
“Cases involving economic sabotage, money laundering, and theft of property must be tried promptly once indictments are issued,” he said. “If not, the government risks losing these cases entirely.”
He concluded by urging justice sector actors to prioritize efficiency, accountability, and adherence to due process, warning that continued delays will erode public trust and perpetuate impunity within the system.
