MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” is expected to rule on Friday, November 13, on a defense motion seeking a new trial in the controversial Saudi Rice case, which has already resulted in the conviction of eight defendants over the alleged diversion of humanitarian rice donated to Liberia.
By: Gegee Brima –alhajigegeebrima@gmail.com
The hearing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia. The court heard arguments on the defense motion on November 6.
According to the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), the court is expected to determine the new-trial motion before proceeding to the final disposition of the case and any appropriate sentencing.
The motion follows an October 9 jury verdict in which eight of the 13 defendants were found guilty in connection with the alleged diversion of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for disaster victims and vulnerable communities in Liberia.
Three defendants were acquitted, while the jury failed to reach verdicts on the remaining two defendants.
The case involves the alleged misapplication of 29,412 bags of humanitarian rice valued at approximately US$500,000, which was intended to provide assistance to vulnerable Liberians.
AREPT says the upcoming court proceedings will determine whether the convicted defendants will receive a new trial before the court considers further action, including sentencing where appropriate.
The taskforce has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, the rule of law and accountability in the management of public and humanitarian resources.
It also pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Justice to pursue justice and ensure the lawful recovery of public assets.
