By Precious D. Freeman
A significant disruption in the legal process was observed on Saturday, October 19, at the Karlokon Magisterial Court in Maryland County, where the actions of County Attorney Cllr. Philips raised concerns about access to justice.
The trial of Lebanese national Karem Fazah, accused of illegal mining activities, was unexpectedly halted after a telephone conversation between the Associate Stipendiary Magistrate and Cllr. Philips.
Fazah faced multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, facilitation, and illegal dealing in minerals, following a complaint from Korean national Hungichi Choi.
Choi alleges that he holds a license to mine coltan in Liberia and claims to have paid $12,000 to local communities for mining rights in Pogbaken Town.
He contends that Fazah unlawfully entered his licensed area and purchased minerals without permission during April and May 2024.
Eyewitnesses reported that neither Cllr. Philips nor the City Solicitor, the only prosecutors in the county, were present at the court on the day of the trial.
The absence was attributed to the City Solicitor’s prior notification to Magistrate Williams and Cllr. Philips about the involvement of Cllr. Roland Bishop Doe, Choi’s private attorney, in the prosecution team.
When contacted for clarification, Cllr. Philips justified his decision to stop the trial, stating, “I stopped the case because there were no state prosecutors in the courtroom, and I could not allow a private lawyer to act on behalf of the state.”
This stance contradicts information from the City Solicitor, who indicated that Cllr. Philips was aware of the arrangement to include the private lawyer due to the limited availability of state prosecutors, particularly in the county’s Magisterial Courts.
Reports indicate that the county has only one City Solicitor covering five magisterial courts, raising concerns about the adequacy of legal representation in the region.
The City Solicitor expressed confusion about Cllr. Philips’ actions, stating, “I don’t understand why he would stop the case when I had already informed him about my request for the private lawyer to represent the state.”
This incident has sparked outrage among legal observers and community members, who argue that the interference undermines the judicial process and denies individuals their right to a fair trial.
The lack of sufficient legal personnel to manage cases effectively highlights systemic issues within the judicial system in Maryland County.
Local advocates for legal reform are calling for increased resources and support for the Judiciary to ensure that all individuals have access to justice.
They stress the importance of having qualified prosecutors available in court to prevent such disruptions in the future.
As the community waits the rescheduling of Fazah’s trial, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced within Liberia’s legal system and the urgent need for reforms to improve access to justice for all citizens.
