Reported by: Rancy S. Teewia
Monrovia, Liberia – The Republic of Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has warned the public against media trials, stating that basing criminal proceedings on public claims rather than proof compromises the legal system and puts innocent people in danger.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Monrovia, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference, Cllr. Tweh voiced alarm about the increasing number of people being named and deemed “guilty” on social media, radio talk programs, and other public forums often with few or no proof.
“The Ministry of Justice does not investigate or arrest people simply because their names are mentioned in public. We do not build criminal cases on rumours, speculation, or political commentary. We build cases on facts, evidence, and the law,” Cllr. Tweh stated.
He warned that if every allegation on the radio resulted in an automatic arrest, “innocent people would have their reputations destroyed without justification, and the justice system itself would lose its credibility.”
Cllr. Tweh outlined the ministry’s process for determining whether information can be independently verified and whether evidence establishes probable cause.
“Where credible evidence exists, we will investigate thoroughly. Where the investigation establishes probable cause, arrests will be made. Where the evidence supports prosecution, charges will be filed. And where the evidence does not support criminal liability, we will not prosecute simply to satisfy public opinion.”
At the same time, he advocated for the proper use of free speech, pointing out that while it is a constitutional privilege, it comes with responsibilities. Noting that openly accusing people of major crimes without any supporting evidence does not help law enforcement
Cllr. Tweh urged anyone with reliable information to come forward through the appropriate means and provide it to the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, or any Joint Security Task Force member.
He promised that every piece of information would be thoroughly evaluated, kept private when necessary, and handled legally. “For those who do not trust local institutions, you can take your evidence to foreign partners, including the United States or any other partner investigating the matter.”
“This government has already demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of justice,” the Attorney General said, reiterating the government’s commitment to responsibility and pointing out that investigations have previously targeted public officials, security personnel, and private residents where evidence indicated. Cllr. Tweh said, “We will keep doing so without fear or political concern.”
He said the objective is to build strong cases that will stand scrutiny in courts and result in lawful convictions where guilt is established.
Therefore, he urges all Liberians to support the rule of law by disseminating facts rather than rumors, to let the investigators do their work, and to refrain from conjecture. emphasizing that reliable facts, fair procedure, and the faithful implementation of the law serve justice rather than the loudest accusation.
Cllr. Tweh further reaffirmed that the government will not hesitate to investigate and, in cases where the evidence is confirmed, to take the appropriate action, including an investigation, an arrest, the filing of charges, and prosecution, if the evidence points to any government official or, as some at the LDEA claim, a “senior government official.”
