As Liberians rejoice in their 200th year as a nation and people, the President has asked the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General to submit to his office a list of people who will be pardoned during the 200th festivities. The President has also urged all Liberians to put their differences aside and turn Liberia into a peaceful refuge.
President George Weah has issued a proclamation instructing the Ministry of Justice to submit the names of 500 detainees for pardon consideration. President Weah stated in the proclamation that detainees who have committed petty and capital charges will be pardoned. Armed robbers and rapists are not covered, according to the decree. Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill told a news conference on Wednesday that the decision is based on Article 59 of the Liberian Constitution.
President George Weah has, with immediate effect, ordered the suspension of Mr. Brownie J. Samukai’s two (2) year prison sentence imposed by the Supreme Court of Liberia, pursuant to Article 59 of the 1986 Constitution, which vests in him the power and authority to grant reprieves, suspend fines, sentences, and pardon anyone convicted and sentenced for a crime; with the proviso that Brownie Samukai will work with the Ministry of Justice to enter a stipulation for the full settlement of the Armed Forces of Liberia money.
While Mr. Samukai is reviewing the Stipulation Payment Agreement, the President has authorized the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to make full payment of the outstanding amount of the AFL money within a week.
In a similar vein, Solicitor General Cllr. Cephas clarified that President Weah did not pardon Mr. Samukai, but rather suspended his sentence, which means he will not go to jail, but his full rights and liberties will not be restored until he meets the suspension’s conditions, which include full payment of the money.
