-As Court Converts Eight Traffickers
MONROVIA – Eight defendants have been convicted in what is considered Liberia’s largest human trafficking prosecution, following a unanimous verdict by a jury at Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia.
The 12-member jury reached its decision on Monday after only 23 minutes of deliberation, ending a trial that lasted nearly a month and featured compelling testimony from survivors alongside heated courtroom exchanges between the prosecution and defense.
Those convicted include Bill Plato, Wuo Zekarso Garteh, also known as Daniel Davis, Alexander Plato, Jerome Genseh, Rudolph (Luther) Flomo, Blessing Favior Suah, and Daylue Kargon. Under Liberia’s anti-human trafficking law, each faces a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
The verdict sparked celebrations among victims gathered outside the Temple of Justice, many of whom described the ruling as the culmination of a difficult nine-month pursuit of justice.
One survivor, identified in court only as to protect her identity, said the judgment brought relief after enduring financial loss and mistreatment.
“I thank God that justice has finally been served. Everything I went through, including losing my money and being mistreated, was not in vain. My daily trips to court have finally paid off,” she said.
The case marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s campaign against human trafficking. It involved 57 victims, making it the largest trafficking prosecution ever conducted in the country.
The trial also comes as Liberia works to improve its record on combating human trafficking after remaining on the United States Trafficking in Persons Watch List for the past two years. A new U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report is expected later this month.
A key witness for the prosecution, Shelley Jonny, who admitted guilt early in the proceedings, testified that as many as 150 people had passed through the compound where the trafficking operation was based.
Prosecutors argued that the convicted individuals used fraudulent schemes to deceive victims and collect hundreds of thousands of dollars. The jury accepted the evidence, delivering a verdict that represents one of the country’s most consequential victories against human trafficking.
