MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Resident Judge of Criminal Court “D” says inadequate financial support is a key contributing factor to prolonged pre-trial detention in the justice system.

Judge Mameita Jabateh Sirleaf said:” As a former prosecutor, I am now faced with the reality of the challenges faced by prosecutors to indict and prosecute pre-trial detainees in the absence of adequate financial support”.

She said the way forward is to mobilize and make funds available to prosecute all criminal cases.

Judge Jabateh Sirleaf, however, said she supports the release of pre-trial detainees if prosecutors fail to provide evidence against them for two subsequent terms of the court.

Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf made the remark on Monday, May 8, 2023, when she delivered her charge at the opening of Criminal Courts for the May Term.

At the same time, Trial Jurors at Criminal Court “E” has rendered a not-guilty verdict in favor of rape suspect, Ejean Claude.

The Jurors’ majority verdict of ten against, acquitted defendant Claude.

Ejean was arrested and charged in March 2022 and indicted during the August 2022 Term of Court.

The indictment alleged that Ejean Claude raped a thirteen-year-old student of Spiritan School, an allegation he earlier denied.

He was represented by Attorneys Edwina Vakum and Florence Harris as Public Defenders, along with the Sagbeh & Sagbeh Law Firm.