By Precious D. Freeman
A resident of Brewerville, Montserrado County, Thomas Etheridge, has filed a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus against the Liberia National Police (LNP), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Ministry of Justice.
The petition was submitted to the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes Court for Montserrado County during its November Term 2024, presided over by Judge Kennedy Peabody.
Etheridge alleges that his constitutional rights have been grossly violated following his arrest and subsequent detention by the Liberia National Police and other security entities without due process.
The petition outlines several grievances against the respondents, highlighting alleged illegal actions taken against Etheridge:
Etheridge was reportedly arrested by officers of the LNP’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU) on December 18, 2024, near Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
He was subsequently detained at LNP Headquarters and subjected to questioning regarding an alleged criminal offense.
Under Liberian law, suspects must be charged or released within 48 hours of arrest.
Etheridge claims he remains in detention as of January 10, 2025, well beyond this constitutional timeframe, and accuses the authorities of failing to uphold his legal rights.
The petitioner alleges that he has been subjected to torture and inhumane treatment by the LNP and NSA in an effort to coerce him into providing false and incriminating statements.
These actions, Etheridge argues, are unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Etheridge claims that, instead of being charged or released, he was handed over to individuals believed to be affiliated with the NSA, further exacerbating the unlawful restriction of his liberty.
The petition highlights a pattern of illegal detention and inhumane treatment by the LNP and NSA, citing Etheridge’s case as a clear example of their disregard for constitutional guarantees and legal procedures.
Etheridge’s petition contends that the actions of the LNP, NSA, and Ministry of Justice violate multiple constitutional provisions, including the right to due process and protection from unlawful detention and torture.
The petitioner asserts that his prolonged imprisonment is a clear breach of Article 21(f) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates timely judicial review for detained individuals.
The petition further argues that the authorities’ actions amount to a systemic abuse of power, undermining the rule of law and exposing detainees to arbitrary treatment.
Etheridge seeks immediate release from detention and calls for the court to hold the respondents accountable for their actions.
He emphasizes the need for judicial intervention to uphold constitutional safeguards and prevent further violations of his rights.
The case raises serious questions about the conduct of Liberia’s law enforcement and security agencies, particularly concerning adherence to constitutional protections.
If upheld, Etheridge’s petition could set a significant precedent, reinforcing the principle of accountability and the rule of law in Liberia.
The court is expected to hear arguments from both sides in the coming days, as the nation watches closely to see how the justice system addresses these allegations of constitutional violations.
