By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
In the ongoing murder proceeding at the criminal court A, which involves the former chief justice of the republic of Liberia, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott along with three of her relatives versus the government of Liberia, the former chief justice and her relatives have all pleaded not guilty before his honor Judge Roosevelt Willies.
The Monday, August 28, 2023, not guilty plead by the former Chief Justice, came immediately after the clerk of the court read the indictment on the defendant Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, Gertrude Newton, Rebecca Youdew Wisner for the allegedly committing the crime of Murder Criminal Conspiracy, and making false statements to law officials.
Prior to the not-guilty, the Judge of Criminal Court A Roosevelt Willie denied the motion for change of venue filed by government’s Lawyers.
In the motion filed to the court, state prosecutors prayed for a change of venue on Friday, August 25, three days to the start of the case on grounds that there have been huge media publications from both print and electronic media.
Something which they claimed has the propensity to influence prospective jurors taken from Montserrado. .
In their argument, government Lawyers said, they do not want the court to be crowded where citizens would start to discuss the merit of the case as it is on various media outlets and as such, if the case is heard in Montserrado County, a partial Justice could be rendered due to sentiments.
As a result of the above, the prosecutors requested the court to grant their motion for change of venue.
In resistance to prosecution motion, defense argued that prosecution did not provide any evidence to substantiate how the publication done by the media injured the state.
According to defense, state lawyers are relying on hearsay and do not have evidence to their claims.
The defense lawyers accused prosecution for playing delay tactics to keep the former Chief Justice and co-defendants in prison for reasons unknown.
The defense counsels among other things noted that one of the accused in the trial proceedings, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott has served in various positions as such, wherever the case is transferred, the media will still follow and report on the matter.
For his part, Judge Willie ruled denying the motion filed by prosecution on grounds that the motion for change of venue is a right that is to be enjoyed by the defendants.
Meanwhile, the matter has commenced with the selection of trial jury, which is expected to continue.
