NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Two co-defendants convicted in the recently concluded US$6.2 million economic sabotage case have filed a motion seeking a new trial before Criminal Court “C” in Monrovia.
The motion, submitted on Monday before presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika, was filed by Cllr. Nyenati Tuan and Jefferson Karmoh, who were convicted on charges of criminal facilitation and conspiracy.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The case, prosecuted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, centers on allegations of the misuse of public funds linked to national security operations during the 2023 elections.
While Tuan and Karmoh were convicted, several other defendants, including former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and former Financial Intelligence Agency Comptroller Moses Cooper, were acquitted.
Lawyers for the two men argue that the mixed verdict undermines the prosecution’s claim of a coordinated conspiracy.
The defense also maintains that prosecutors failed to provide evidence showing that either defendant personally received or benefited from the disputed funds.
The motion further claims that the trial judge improperly instructed the jury on the standard of proof by allegedly lowering the threshold from “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The defense insists that the actions at the center of the case were official government communications tied to national security procedures rather than criminal conduct. The court has not yet ruled on the request for a new trial.
Curtesy: G. Watson Richards – Court Reporter
