MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Criminal Court “E” has dropped criminal charges against twenty-eight defendants accused of raping several teenage girls in Liberia.

The Court’s decision followed a motion filed by defense lawyer, Cllr. Jerome Pour.

Judge Serena Garlawolo released the defendants because they had overstayed the statutory period, a clear violation of Chapter 18, Section 18.2 of the Criminal Procedural Law of Liberia.

Judge Garlawolo’s ruling maintained that the defendants have been in prison for more than two court terms, which violates their constitutional rights.

However, the Director of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Unit at the Ministry of Justice, Cllr. Issac George has taken exception to the Court’s decision.

Cllr. George said,” Judge Garlawolo’s November 3, 2025, decision went contrary to the law, thus undermining their fight against rape in the country”.

Cllr. Issac George promised to take advantage of the law with a petition for a Writ of Prohibition to the Supreme Court with the intent to overturn the Court’s ruling consistent with the law.