Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a prominent civil society organization in Liberia, has released a statement praising the Liberia National Police (LNP) for reopening the investigation into the death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, former Director of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) .But calls on the Police to extend its probe into the death of the four auditors and others.
STAND believes that the LNP’s commendable decision to reopen the investigation into the unresolved death of Mr. Nyeswa will foster a climate of justice in Liberia, strengthen the rule of law, and provide closure for his family.
This significant step, STAND avers, underscores the undeniable fact that true democracy and the rule of law cannot thrive in the absence of accountability and justice. Considering these facts, STAND emphasizes that the police’s decision to reopen the Barten Nyeswa murder case must remain resolute, following the trail of evidence without hesitation.
Additionally, STAND urges the Liberia National Police to broaden the investigation to include all unsolved murders up to now, such as the mysterious deaths of auditors, security officers, and instances of electoral violence.
STAND identified unresolved deaths of Albert Peters, Internal Auditor, LRA, Gifty Lama, Research Analyst, LRA, George B. Fahnbutu, Revenue Auditor, LRA, Melvin Earley, EPS, Sgt. Bobby Manneh, AFL and Amanda Nebo, Monrovia City Police Officer.
“While noting that the LNP has identified several individuals, including high-level officials from the previous government, as persons of interest in the investigation into Mr. Nyensuah’s alleged murder, STAND urges the police to follow the evidence impartially, regardless of where it leads, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of every accused are protected,” a statement indicated.
The group cautions the LNP to conduct the investigation within the boundaries of the law, remaining vigilant to avoid partisan biases or errors that could undermine justice and create gaps in the system, allowing perpetrators to evade prosecution.
“STAND reiterates that while this action by the Liberia National Police is long overdue, it is a step in the right direction expected of any civilized nation and responsible government. Ensuring justice, upholding the rule of law, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing closure to families facing suspicious deaths are fundamental responsibilities that no government can indefinitely ignore or “sweep under the carpet,” STAND added.
The Civil Society Advocacy group is reminding the Boakai administration of its moral obligation to uphold its promises. They encouraged President Joseph Boakai to ensure that justice prevails, particularly for victims of injustice and families who have lost loved ones.
STAND wonders how Ms. Queen Johnson, once identified by the Liberia National Police as a “person of interest” in the investigation of Joshua Solomon’s mobbing death, is now a government employee and seemingly free from prosecution.
“As STAND awaits answers, it is hoped that Madam Johnson, whose current whereabouts have been traced to the National Port Authority, will either be brought before the court to face charges of murder or be released only by a competent judicial authority,” STAND said.
STAND emphasizes that true justice can only be achieved when the investigation and prosecution processes are credible, transparent, and free from political interference urging the Liberia National Police to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and honesty in pursuing these all police investigations.
