IPNEWS-Monrovia: Less than an hour following the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill reading of a proclamation that suspended the sentences of former Defense Minister J. Brownie Samukai and co-defendants, Solicitor General Seyma Syrennius Cephas has stated that the President’s proclamation did not pardon Samukai but rather suspended his two-year jail sentence and instructed that he liaises with the Ministry of Justice for stipulation how the money in question would be paid.
On Tuesday, February 22, 2022 through Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, President George Weah issued a proclamation granting clemency, ordering the Ministry of Justice to pardon five (500) hundred inmates where applicable
In the proclamation, President Weah said those expected to be pardoned are those who committed misdemeanor and capital offenses. But Rapists and Armed Robbers are not included.
The President has also ordered the Suspension of the two-year prison sentence imposed on Mr. Brownie J. Samukai.
The President of Liberia, pursuant to Article 59 of the 1986 Constitution which vests in him the power and authority “to grant reprieves, suspend fines, sentences and pardon anyone convicted and sentenced for a crime has, with immediate effect, ordered the suspension of the two (2) year prison sentence imposed on Mr. Brownie J. Samukai, following his conviction by the Supreme Court of Liberia; with the proviso that he (Brownie J. Samukai) will work with the Ministry of Justice to enter a stipulation for the full settlement of the Armed Forces of Liberia money.”
Cllr. Cephas said the suspended sentence is not a pardon where the civil liberty and rights of Mr. Samukai are automatically restored had it been an Executive Clemency. He said the fact the former Defense Minister Samukai and his co-defendants are obliged to pay back the balance money through stipulations indicate that the sentence can be implemented anytime because it is suspended and not a pardon that gives his freedom in keeping with the law.
The President has also directed the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to make full payment of the outstanding balance of the AFL money, while Mr. Samukai is going through the Stipulation Payment Agreement.
As Liberians joyously celebrate 200 years of existence as a nation and people, the President has further directed the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General to submit to his Office a list of persons to be pardoned during these festive celebrations.
The President has also called on all Liberians to reconcile their differences and transform Liberia into a haven of peace.
