Reported by: Melvin Jackson
Monrovia, Liberia – The trial of Peter Bon Jallah, who is accused of gang rape, statutory rape, and kidnapping, has been postponed by Criminal Court “E” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County. Prosecutors informed the court that the alleged victim was not psychologically prepared to testify. Assigned Circuit Judge Wesseh Alphanso Wesseh presided over the case’s trial on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Lawyers for prosecution, Cllr. H. Calvin Momolu, and Cllr. Jumah P. Karnley told the court that the key witness needed psychosocial counseling prior to appearing in court because she was exhibiting indications of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the prosecution, a counselor recommended at least two days of counseling, beginning Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, August 13. Prosecutors therefore requested that the trial be postponed until Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m.
Defense counsel Cllr. G. Wiefueh Alfred Sayeh and Cllr. Jallah G. Zumo criticized the request, describing it as part of what they viewed as repeated delays in the case. Although they did not object to the continuance, they urged the court to require the prosecution to be fully prepared to present its evidence on Friday. The court examined the case’s past and noted that Jallah and other defendants were charged with gang rape, statutory rape, and kidnapping during the February 2026 Term. Later, Jallah’s case was separated from the other defendants’ cases, who are allegedly still at large.
On June 19, 2026, Jallah was arraigned during the 108th Day Jury Sitting. He entered a not guilty plea and chose to have the case tried by bench. A change of venue was then requested by the prosecution, but it was turned down. Later, prosecutors asked a Supreme Court Justice seated in Chambers for relief; however, the Justice refused to grant the desired writ and instead instructed the trial court to follow the law. The case was scheduled for a full-fledged trial on August 5, 2026, but due to the accused victim’s apparent psychological condition, the hearing was postponed until August 12.
Judge Wesseh reminded the prosecution that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and highlighted Jallah’s fundamental right to a prompt and fair trial when granting the continuance. If the accused victim is still unavailable on Friday, the court may take legal action to ensure the case proceeds, the judge cautioned prosecutors, adding that no more needless delays will be allowed. As a result, the trial has been rescheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., when the prosecution is expected to start presenting its case. Jallah is deemed innocent unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction finds him guilty of the charges against him.
