Monrovia, Liberia – An emergency inquiry has been launched by the Ministry of Justice into a video that was leaked from Monrovia Central Prison, which officials claim violates inmates’ rights and may have violated prison rules. According to reports, the video, which has gone viral on social media, depicts Prophet Key, whose real name is Justin Oldpa Yeazeahn, engaging with other prisoners inside the prison store.
Prophet Key was found guilty of criminal contempt and given a six-month prison sentence by the Supreme Court. His conduct in spewing out invectives, insults, abuses, and indecent language constitutes a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the Court ruled.
In addition to the 180-day, six-month jail sentence, the Court imposed other requirements. For five days in a row, Prophet Key must publish an apology letter to the Supreme Court and all Liberians, particularly Liberian women, in three widely read newspapers. He must also sign and submit a behavior bond to the Supreme Court Clerk promising never to use derogatory language, profanities, or abusive speech against any Liberian again.
In order to preserve public confidence and enforce the rule of law, Liberia’s correctional facilities must be secure, disciplined, and honest, the Ministry stated in a statement on Sunday. The investigation will be thorough and open, officials stressed, adding that detectives have been instructed to look into the incident’s circumstances right away. According to the statement, the inquiry will be swift, unbiased, and comprehensive.
The Ministry emphasized that regardless of the parties involved, accountability will be sought. It said that no one is above the law, regardless of their position, allegiance, or public image. The Ministry will take necessary administrative, civil, or criminal action against anyone found to have broken the law or prison regulations, if the investigation reveals such violations.
Beyond the current investigation, the administration promised to improve the jail system’s oversight procedures. Along with seeking accountability in this instance, the Ministry stated that the Government will examine the correctional system’s current supervision and compliance measures and, if need, fortify protocols to stop recurrence.
