Justice Community

⚖️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Bail in Liberia 🇱🇷

Ever wondered why some people are released after an arrest while others stay in custody? It all comes down to whether the offense is Bailable or Non-Bailable under Liberian Law.

1. Bailable Offenses: The General Rule

Under Article 21(d)(i) of the 1986 Constitution, every person has a fundamental right to bail. This protects the principle that you are "innocent until proven guilty."

What it means: For most crimes (theft, simple assault, etc.), you can be released by providing a "bond" (money, property, or insurance) to ensure you show up for your court dates.

The Law: Constitution Article 21(d) & Criminal Procedure Law, Chapter 13.

2. Non-Bailable Offenses: The Serious Exceptions

There are specific "Capital Offenses" where the court can deny bail to protect the public or prevent the accused from fleeing.

The Rule: Bail is usually denied when the "proof is evident or the presumption great" that the person committed the crime.

Key Examples:

Murder & Treason: (Constitution Article 21)

Armed Robbery: Made a non-bailable capital offense by the Armed Robbery Act of 2008.

R**e: Under the New R**e Law (2006), r**e is a non-bailable offense to protect survivors and prevent witness intimidation.

The Bottom Line 🛑

Bail is not "getting off free"—it’s a legal guarantee of your appearance in court. While the Constitution favors liberty, the law draws a hard line at violent and capital crimes to keep our communities safe.

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Braking News!!!?

Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia convicted five women for trafficking fourteen children and sentenced each to 20 years in prison. The court found that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, showing the women worked together in an organized scheme.

Evidence showed the defendants recruited and moved children within Liberia, including Paynesville, and later transported them to countries like Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The court ruled that the acts involved deception, abuse of trust, and intent to exploit vulnerable minors who could not give valid consent.

The defense claimed the activity was humanitarian. The court rejected this argument due to contradictions and strong supporting evidence from the prosecution. It confirmed the existence of a coordinated conspiracy.

The court stressed the seriousness of child trafficking and imposed strict penalties. It also prioritized victim protection. The fourteen children were placed under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for care, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Authorities must verify any custody claims using legal documents and DNA testing where needed. Ongoing monitoring of the children’s welfare was also ordered.

The ruling is seen as a major step in enforcing anti-trafficking laws in Liberia and signals strong judicial action against such crimes.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS – Saclepea City 🚨

A 26-year-old man from Yeeganpa community is in police custody for allegedly sexually abusing two chickens at Kpallah Junction, Saclepea City, Nimba County. The incident shocked the community, prompting local elders to alert authorities.

Under Liberian law, this act is considered animal cruelty under Title 26 of the Liberian Penal Code, which prohibits acts that cause harm or unnecessary suffering to animals. It also violates public morality and community standards. The Liberia National Police are investigating, and the suspect will face legal action if found guilty.

⚖️ Justice and protection of animals remain a priority.