MONROVIA – Justice Minister-designate Cllr. Betty M. Lamine Blamo has pledged a nationwide review of pretrial detention cases, disclosing that 2,848 of the 4,125 people held in Liberia’s prisons had not been tried as of September 2026.
By Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Presenting her priorities during confirmation proceedings before the Liberian Senate, Blamo described prolonged pretrial detention as a major challenge for the country’s justice system, particularly for detainees who cannot afford private legal representation.
She reported that Monrovia Central Prison held 1,888 inmates, including 1,312 awaiting trial.
Blamo stressed that the government must address delays in criminal proceedings and ensure that suspects are not kept in detention beyond what the law permits without their cases being resolved.
Citing Article 21 of Liberia’s Constitution, she underscored the legal safeguards afforded to arrested persons, including the requirement that they be brought before a court within 48 hours. She also reaffirmed the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“The conditions in which people are detained are a measure of our commitment to democracy,” Blamo told lawmakers.
She disclosed that her office had begun reviewing the cases of pretrial detainees at Monrovia Central Prison, with plans to extend the exercise to correctional facilities nationwide if she is confirmed.
“The state will either prosecute or release in accordance with law,” she said.
Blamo also pledged to collaborate with the judiciary, public defenders, the Liberian National Bar Association, and legal aid providers to reduce case backlogs and improve access to legal representation.
Weak Investigations Undermine Prosecutions
Beyond prison congestion, the minister-designate identified poor coordination between police investigators and prosecutors as a significant weakness in Liberia’s criminal justice system.
She said some cases collapse because investigations are incomplete, evidence is improperly preserved, or charges fail to reflect the facts established during investigations.
Such deficiencies, she warned, can weaken prosecutions, erode public confidence, and deny victims access to justice while leaving accused persons in prolonged detention.
If confirmed, Blamo said she would continue assessing the capacity of the prosecution department and establish measures to improve case preparation and the handling of criminal proceedings.
She also appealed to the Senate for increased budgetary support to recruit additional prosecutors and improve the salaries of existing personnel.
According to Blamo, several experienced prosecutors have left the Ministry of Justice following salary harmonization, creating staffing challenges that could affect the department’s effectiveness.
She stressed that retaining qualified legal professionals and providing adequate resources would be essential to preparing stronger cases, protecting defendants’ rights, and ensuring that serious crimes are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Blamo said meaningful reform would require closer cooperation among prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and legal aid institutions.
Her proposed nationwide review is intended to identify cases requiring prosecution and those in which continued detention may no longer be legally justified, reinforcing the principle that justice must be administered fairly and without unnecessary delay.
