By Bill W. Cooper
The government through the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has announced an ongoing appeal process against the guilty verdict of sexual assault case involving two Liberian maritime officials in South Korea.
It can be recalled that in April, a court in South Korea found Moses Owen Brown and Daniel Tar guilty of sexual assault and sentenced them to nine years in prison each.
But in an ELBC interview yesterday, June 19, 2023, Maritime Commissioner General, Leen Eugene Nagbe disclosed that the outcome of the appeal process will further inform government about the next steep to take concerning the matter.
He said, “As we speak, the appeal process is ongoing and I just spoke to the lawyer two days ago. And as the process is ongoing, we cannot intervene as a government and until otherwise.”
According to him, the government decision to send a delegation through humanitarian means to repatriate the two officials have been put on hold due to the ongoing legal process of the matter.
He explained further that while government sympathizes with Mr. Moses Owen Brown, Daniel Tar and their respective families, the Liberian government also respect the law of South Korea.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Nagbe has revealed plans for the expansion of the Liberia Maritime Registry, noting that the entity expanding into a new marker with much more vessels flying the Liberian flag.
Nagbe added that it will also contribute to revenue generation for the Liberian government, and indicated, “President Weah as per mandate he give me was to ensure that Liberia again becomes the number one in the world.”
“So, I can fairly report today that Liberia is number two now next to Panama and my team and I are working very hard and tirelessly for that to happen. So, I can assure you now that between now to October we will get there because we are catching up and expanding into new market,” he said.
Commissioner Nagbe added that the maritime sector has made significant improvement over the years since his appointment by the President, and further disclosed that LiMA office has also been open in China and Turkey to attract more business opportunity for the country.
