By Precious D. Freeman
The Prison Fellowship Liberia, a local non-governmental organization, has made a strong appeal to the government for the re-establishment of a parole board as a crucial step to address the severe overcrowding in the country’s prison facilities.
The organization’s Country Director, Reverend Francis Kollie, emphasized that the parole board is a key component of the justice system under the government’s ARREST agenda.
In an interview, Reverend Kollie highlighted the urgent need for reform within the legal system, particularly in light of the increasing number of pre-trial detainees.
He noted that many defense counsels have transitioned into other legal fields or abandoned court work for more lucrative opportunities, exacerbating the challenges faced by detainees awaiting trial.
To further support the judicial system, Reverend Kollie urged the Chief Justice of Liberia, Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, to prioritize the digitization of court documents.
He explained that modernizing record-keeping is essential for preserving vital court records and expediting cases that have lingered on dockets for far too long. This, he argued, is crucial for ensuring that pre-trial detainees have access to timely and impartial trials.
“Accurate record-keeping remains a significant challenge for courts across Liberia,” he stated, referencing findings from a 2022 survey that highlighted outdated practices.
“The world is rapidly advancing due to technology, and Liberia’s Judiciary must prioritize the rights of pre-trial detainees, ensuring they receive fair and prompt access to legal representation.”
Reverend Kollie further elaborated that the implementation of digitization in the Judiciary would enhance transparency and public trust.
By converting physical records into digital formats, court processes could become more efficient, allowing easier access to case files and public records.
“Digitization can drastically reduce the backlog of cases and mitigate the prolonged detention of pre-trial detainees”, he explained.
“This is a matter of upholding human rights and ensuring that our judicial system operates effectively.”
Additionally, Kollie stressed the importance of continuous training for court personnel, including judges, clerks, and bailiffs, to ensure they are equipped to serve the needs of pre-trial detainees.
“A well-trained judicial staff is essential for prioritizing the welfare of those currently overcrowded in facilities like the Monrovia Central Prison”, he added.
He also urged the Liberian Government to provide robust budgetary support to enhance prison conditions nationwide.
The Prison Fellowship Liberia has been proactive in its mission, having sponsored over 500 children of incarcerated parents in their pursuit of education, affirming that access to education is a fundamental human right.
Kollie called on the 55th Legislature to empower the Ministry of Justice with adequate funding to hire trained Public Defenders who can advocate for the legal interests of pre-trial detainees.
“These individuals deserve proper representation to navigate the legal system”, he stated.
Kollie commended the Boakai-Koung’s Administration for establishing the office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, recognizing it as a timely initiative for delivering justice to victims of past atrocities.
He also announced the anticipated arrival of a large consignment of medical supplies aimed at improving the health conditions of pre-trial detainees, who often rely on public hospitals for treatment.
Prison Fellowship Liberia continues to play a significant role in the criminal justice landscape, with initiatives such as their free legal clinic providing hundreds of detainees with timely access to justice.
The organization remains committed to advocating for reform and upholding the rights of individuals within the prison system.
