Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has welcomed the ruling of the Supreme Court of Liberia acquitting former Liberian Chief Justice Gloria Maya Musu-Scott and three of her family members from the conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment for murder by the Criminal Court “A” on January 9, 2024.
According to a release dated August 29, 2024, “Considering Gloria Maya Musu-Scott, once celebrated as a champion of women’s rights, found herself at the center of a legal storm, prominent role in Liberia’s justice system made this trial particularly significant.”
The women group said while it respects the court’s decision, it cannot also ignore the gaps in the prosecution system that the ruling of the Supreme Court has exposed, including delays and psychological toll, resource constraints, impunity and trust deficit, among others.
WONGOSOL expresses deep concern over the investigation conducted by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in relation to Charloe Musu’s death, which it believes was marked by ambiguity and still has a dark cloud covering.
WONGOSOL said the court delays took a heavy psychological toll on the victim’s family and the accused alike.
The group said the stress of year-long waits for justice often leads to abandonment of claims.
“For murder victims, prompt justice is crucial, yet this urgency seemed to have been lost in this case. Our courts struggle with resource limitations, leading to inefficiencies. Passing costs to users and lengthy proceedings hinder timely justice. Weak legal enforcement mechanisms contribute to impunity. Citizens’ trust in government institutions wanes when corruption and nepotism go unpunished,” the group said.
While it welcomes the ruling of the High Court, WONGOSOL has called for renewed efforts to seek justice for the deceased, urging the Ministry of Justice to address resource gaps and ensure transparency in the legal processes.
We must prioritize prompt trials, especially for vulnerable victims,” the release said, adding that prosecutors must lay down cases supported by evidence so justice cannot be compromised, as the Liberian Constitution, the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the Maputo Protocol guarantee the right to life for all individuals.
“While the legal system has spoken, our collective responsibility remains. In March 2023, Liberian women, under one banner, presented a petition to the Legislature, demanding transparency, accountability, and justice for Charloe Musu,” WONGOSOL said.
