– An Open Letter to Attorney General Frank Musa Dean and Police Inspector General Patrick Sudue

Martin K. N. Kollie writes…

Fellow Liberians do not be deceived. No arrest has been made. They are on a horseplay. Impunity is their niche.

The PEOPLE have lost total confidence and trust in the Criminal Justice System of Liberia. The Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police have become accomplices to injustice and misrule in Liberia. Both law enforcement agencies are complicit in and culpable of this wanton charge.

Do they have to wait for Pres. GMW to order an arrest of suspected murderers and rioting thugs before they can effect such arrest? Wow. Liberia is not just a Banana Republic, but it is also a Police State under ex-soccer star GMW. The Rule of Law and JUSTICE have become democratic values of the past. Since they don’t know their function(s), let me remind them in this open letter.

Dear Minister Musa Dean and IG Patrick Sudue:

The agencies, MOJ and LNP that you are leading have lost public confidence and trust because you’ve allowed Pres. George Weah along with his belligerent allies to weaponize them against justice, freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Gangsterism throughout Liberia has become a new normal under your watch. Must you wait for Weah’s order first before effecting arrest and restoring law and order?

Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean

This simply tells us two things about your make-up:

1) Either you do not know your function(s);

2) Or, you’ve woefully chosen to be cowardly and complicit.

The MOJ and LNP have turned into political pawns. You have become puppeteers and partisans even though you are required to be neutral and independent in the discharge of your fiduciary and statutory responsibilities.

Since you’ve seemingly forgotten about your function(s), let me remind you. Let’s begin with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ):

1) Chapter 22 of the Executive Law, title 13, Liberian Code of Laws Revised. This Law was passed in 1973 and here are the functions of MOJ:

1. A) The enforcement of the laws of Liberia.
2. B) The prosecution of all violators of the laws of Liberia.
3. C) The prosecution and defense of all suits and proceedings.
4. D) Oversee the administration of the Aliens and Nationality Laws.
5. E) Provide opinions on legal matters and give services to all gov’t agencies.
6. F) Provide legal assistance on behalf of the Liberian Government.
7. G) Oversee the codification of the statutory laws of Liberia.
8. H) Supervise the nation’s correctional system.
9. I) Prevent and Control Firearms and secure the safety of lives.
10. J) The enforcement of drug laws.
11. K) Direct the enforcement of the vehicle and traffic law.

2) Liberia National Police Act, 2016, Section 22.72(a): Functions of the Liberian National Police:

1. A) Protect life and property;
2. B) Maintain law and order;
3. C) Prevent, deter, detect and investigate crime;
4. D) Preserve and enhance internal security.
5. E) Protect fundamental freedoms and rights of all individuals;
6. F) Preserve the public peace;
7. G) Respond to community security needs;
8. H) Protect the security, dignity, liberty, and property of citizens.
9. I) Enforce the Vehicle and Traffic Law, etc.

I will stop here. I just thought to remind both of you.

Signed: Martin K. N. Kollie

Exiled Liberian Activist and Chief Convener

Voices from Exile (VEx)