The Resident Judge of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Bassa County, Joe S. Barkon, has released 24 detainees who have been held in prison without trial for extended periods.
Those released include Garnayee Peter, Flomo Kollie, Hillia Karr, Prince Wilson, Rogee Wheigar, Momo Carter, Samuel Smith, Joshua Brown, Samuel Nimely, Josephine D. Coleman, Prince Jacob, Prince Wrueh, Abraham James, Godgift Reeves, David Port, Janjay Tarr, Edwin Colomon, Matthew Mench, Mohammed Tabiel, Junkle J. Joe, Isaac Barry, Lawrence Debeah, Jeremiah Karmo, and Garsay Flokan Teekpor.
The release occurred on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, during the official opening of the October term of court in Upper Buchanan.
Judge Barkon’s review of the detainee list revealed that some individuals had been incarcerated for as long as two years without trial.
This action complies with Liberia’s Criminal Procedural Law, specifically Section 18.2, which mandates timely trials for detainees, underscoring the principle that justice delayed is justice denied.
The released detainees faced a range of serious charges, including manslaughter, attempted murder, statutory rape, robbery, unlicensed drug possession, theft, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and burglary.
A breakdown of the court origins shows that 13 detainees were from the St. John Magisterial Court, four from the Buchanan Magisterial Court, two from the Owens Grove Magisterial Court, and five from the Second Judicial Circuit Court.
Meanwhile, Judge Barkon has vowed to conduct regular inspections of the prison facility to prevent prolonged detentions, reaffirming his commitment to upholding timely justice.
Grand Bassa County Attorney Paul Jarvan has pledged to work with Judge Barkon to facilitate the release of individuals detained beyond statutory limits.
The swift action by Judge Barkon and the cooperation from Attorney Jarvan signal a renewed focus on ensuring that detainees in Grand Bassa County are afforded their constitutional rights, reinforcing the importance of due process and judicial oversight in Liberia.
