Journalist Bettie Johnson-Mbayo no longer faces criminal charges, according to Representative Marvin Cole of Bong County District 3. Representative Cole dismissed his criminal case against journalist Bettie Johnson-Mbayo during a pretrial meeting with Judge Roosevelt Willie, the Court revealed on Wednesday to Judicial reporters.
An out-of-court settlement was proposed by the court while the appeal to the Circuit Court was being pursued. Because it was another legal remedy, the parties to the lawsuit waived their rights, and the circuit judge is now in contact with the magistrate judge to have the magistrate court’s decision annulled, a court source hinted. According to speculation, the Representative’s decision was motivated by the out-of-court settlement that was started. Currently, the freedom of the Journalist and her spouse has been reinstated in accordance with the law.
Journalist Bettie Mbayo has praised organizations and people for their assistance during the case’s legal proceedings. “We value the court’s allies who spoke up. We would want to thank our attorneys for their tremendous efforts in making sure we could file an appeal, which is a legal remedy. We are thankful to all of our friends and family that supported us, including the Liberia Medical Association and the Press Union of Liberia. The Mbayos are once more appreciative that the court dismissed the charges against us”.
Bong County Representative Marvin Cole filed a complaint against the Mbayos in the Paynesville City court earlier this year, leading to charges of Felony Restraint, Terroristic Threat, and Disorderly Conduct being brought against them. They refuted each and every charge brought against them by the lawmaker. Rep. Cole said that the Mbayos had physically assaulted him and had blocked his yard’s main access with their automobile.
