The Government of Liberia says it remains fully committed to the conduct of a second autopsy to bring proper closure to the circumstances surrounding the death of Princess Cooper.
The government said it believes that this will allay all allegations and claims regarding the cause of Princess’ death.
The government’s request stems from the latest position of Dr. Servillano Ritualo, the practitioner from the Philippines who was initially chosen by the family to carry out the autopsy, that he is unable to travel to Liberia to perform the process as agreed between the Liberian government and the late Princess’ family, along with their lawyer, Tiawon Gongloe and the former President of the Liberia Council of Churches Bishop Kortu Brown.
In his long-awaited email response to Attorney General Frank Musah Dean Jr. – which came after six weeks of delay, Dr. Ritualo cited several issues he deemed concerning, mainly his displeasure with the government’s request for a medical license that qualifies him as a pathologist.
He contended that he previously practiced in Liberia, specifically during the Angel Tokpa case notwithstanding, the fact that a medical license is renewed annually by the country in which one practices, in this case The Philippines.
He also cited the outbreak of Monkey Pox in West Africa as a reason for his inability to travel to Liberia.
With this new development, the Attorney General is urging the Liberia Council of Churches, Civil Society Organizations and concerned institutions and individuals to work with and encourage the family to designate a new pathologist.
The Ministry of Justice has reiterated its position for the family of the late Princess Cooper to designate another pathologist with the requisite credentials and qualifications from anywhere in the world to conduct the agreed second autopsy.
However, the Ministry of Justice emphasizes that its request for a license is in keeping with the requirements of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council for the grant of temporary licensure to perform such medical service in the country.
