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Liberia Supreme Court Delays Ruling on Capitol Arson Trial Jury Dispute
The Supreme Court has withheld a decision on whether to allow Criminal Court A to seat a new jury or retain the original panel in the Capitol Building arson case. The pending ruling follows a writ of prohibition filed by the defense challenging the lower court's decision to disband the jury.
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The Supreme Court has withheld a ruling that would determine whether Criminal Court A can seat a new jury or retain the original panel in the Capitol Building arson trial. The high court is considering a writ of prohibition filed by the defense that challenges the lower court's order to disband the jury empaneled in November 2025.
If the writ is denied, a new jury must be seated; if granted, the original panel remains and proceedings resume.
The trial stems from a December 18, 2024 fire that damaged sections of the Capitol Building in Monrovia. Prosecutors allege the blaze was an orchestrated act of arson targeting Liberia's democratic institutions. Former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and four sitting lawmakers face charges including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, intent to commit murder, and illegal possession of a firearm.
All defendants pleaded not guilty when the indictment was read in open court on November 17, 2025.
Jury selection began November 18, 2025.
The lower court judge removed one juror over concerns about potential bias and later granted a prosecution motion to disband the entire panel after jurors allegedly consulted among themselves. The defense filed the writ of prohibition arguing the disbandment order was illegal.
In March 2026, the Supreme Court ordered an immediate halt to all trial proceedings pending review of the writ. >"Wherever they take this case, we will still win it because the evidence is on our side...
