The Global Justice Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network (GJPHRAN) through its Global Director and Advocate-Activist General, Amb. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson on April 14, 2024
expressed her appreciation to the national legislature for passing resolution for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia. They have urged the United Nations to support the government’s decision to bring justice to all victims of the Liberian civil war, including those who have accumulated wealth through illegal means.
In a statement released by the director general of the GJPHRAN, the advocacy concerns regarding the credibility and practices of certain organizations involved in witness recruitment, coaching, and payment in war crimes cases. Specifically, the institution alleged that, Alain Werner of Civitas Maxima, Hassan Bility of the Global Justice Research Project, and the Center for Justice and Accountability have been accused of producing false testimonies against accused persons.
“It has come to the attention of GJPHRAN that there have been concerns raised regarding the credibility and practices of certain organizations involved in witness recruitment, coaching, and payment in war crimes cases. Specifically, Alain Werner of Civitas Maxima, Hassan Bility of the Global Justice Research Project, and the Center for Justice and Accountability have been accused of producing false testimonies against accused persons.”
Amb. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson in her writer intimated that several newspapers, including Front Page Africa, Analyst Newspaper, Liberian Observer, Independent Probe, and The Washington Examiner, have reported on the discrediting of these organizations by competent international judicial triers of facts. She added that courts across Europe and Africa are reevaluating cases where false affidavits and witness coaching by Civitas Maxima and their Liberian partner Global Justice and Research Project have been alleged.
For instance, R. Scott Wilson added that in 2016, alleged war criminal Martina Johnson was released from prison pretrial in Belgium due to concerns about witnesses provided by Civitas Maxima. In 2017, British authorities arrested Agnes Reeves Taylor for alleged torture, but she was subsequently released after being held in solitary confinement for 27 months. She said that the information provided by Werner and his Liberian partner Hassan Bility was proven to be false. Similar allegations of witness coaching and falsified claims against Civitas Maxima and its partners also emerged in Finland.
Therefore, she urged the government of Liberia and its international partners to divorce these groups and ensure the independence of witness testimony in the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. She stressed that It is crucial to prevent any undermining of witness independence, where witnesses are being coached and paid to produce false testimonies against accused persons.
“These instances and the potential dangers and credibility issues associated with such wrongful acts,
we strongly urge the government of Liberia and its international partners to divorce these groups and ensure the independence of witness testimony in the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. It is crucial to prevent any undermining of witness independence, where witnesses are being coached and paid to produce false testimonies against accused persons.”
The Global Justice Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network said that the establishment of a fair and just court requires upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and respect for the rights of the accused. They believe that any actions that jeopardize these principles must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
The institution further stated that the credibility of the court and the pursuit of justice for victims of war crimes and economic crimes in Liberia heavily rely on the integrity of the process. They recommend the need to conduct a thorough review and vetting process of organizations and individuals involved in witness recruitment and coaching to ensure their credibility and adherence to ethical standards
“We recommend conducting a thorough review and vetting process of organizations and individuals involved in witness recruitment and coaching to ensure their credibility and adherence to ethical standards. Furthermore, it is important to establish safeguards and mechanisms to protect the independence of witnesses and prevent any manipulation or corruption of testimonies. By taking these precautions and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, the government and its international partners can ensure a fair and credible process in the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.”
At the same time, the GJPHRAN has raised concerns about a teenage female student who was allegedly seen with Hon. Yekeh Kolubah, a member of the Liberian Legislature.
GJPHRAN says the situation has caused the child psychological trauma and shame and could have serious consequences on her physical, social, and mental well-being.
Meanwhile, GJPHRAN called on the Gender Ministry to intervene and provide support to the young girl before her mental stability is further impacted. They also urged the public to refrain from posting any additional information about the girl and instead join efforts to protect her well-being.
