By Linus Flomo
Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson has ordered a legal review of pretrial detainees who have exceeded their legally permissible time in custody, aiming to release those whose detention is no longer justified.
The directive was issued during Superintendent Johnson’s recent tour of the Buchanan Prison Compound in Upper Buchanan.
Accompanied by County Resident Judge Joe Barkon, County Attorney Paul Jarvan, and County Health Officer Dr. Jude Wesseh, Johnson engaged with prison authorities and detainees to assess the conditions firsthand.
The tour was organized at the invitation of Bailey Togba, head of the Grassroots Agency for Social Services, a local advocacy group championing inmates’ rights.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the prolonged detention of individuals awaiting trial, a problem that has strained the justice system and raised human rights issues.
Advocates have repeatedly highlighted the plight of pretrial detainees, some of whom have spent months or even years behind bars without conviction due to case backlogs and administrative delays.
Superintendent Johnson emphasized the importance of upholding legal standards.
“No individual should be held in custody longer than the law allows without due process. This review will ensure that detainees’ rights are respected and that justice is served fairly,” he stated.
County Attorney Paul Jarvan, who will lead the review, said the process will focus on identifying cases where legal time limits have been exceeded and ensuring swift action is taken.
“We are committed to working with the courts and prison authorities to address this issue in a manner that is both just and efficient,” he said.
Judge Joe Barkon also expressed support for the initiative, noting that delays in case processing are often due to limited judicial resources and procedural hurdles.
He urged greater coordination between legal stakeholders to prevent such situations in the future.
Togba of the Grassroots Agency for Social Services welcomed the announcement, calling it “a step in the right direction for human rights and the rule of law.”
He pledged his organization’s continued advocacy for inmates and support for legal reforms that would prevent excessive pretrial detention.
The review process is expected to begin immediately, with a comprehensive report on affected detainees to be presented to the relevant authorities for action.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve the efficiency and fairness of Liberia’s justice system.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While many see it as a necessary intervention, some legal experts caution that systemic challenges such as inadequate legal representation and slow judicial procedures must also be addressed to prevent recurrence.
Local resident Martha Kollie expressed relief at the decision, stating, “Too many people are suffering in jail without trial. This is a good step.”
Meanwhile, legal analyst Henry Dahn emphasized the need for long-term solutions, including reforms in case management and increased funding for public defenders.
As the review unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how effectively the County Attorney’s office can implement the directive and whether it leads to lasting improvements in Grand Bassa’s judicial system.
