Africa-Press – Liberia. A major legal showdown is unfolding at Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice, where Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie has ordered the Clar Hope Foundation, an institution associated with former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, to produce documents requested by the government’s Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT).
The ruling, handed down Tuesday, February 24, denies a Motion to Quash a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum filed by the Foundation’s legal team and mandates that the requested records be submitted no later than Monday, March 2, 2026, for onward transmission to investigators.
Following the decision, lawyers representing the Foundation, led by Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright, immediately announced an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia, setting the stage for what could become a defining constitutional test over the scope of prosecutorial authority and the limits of compelled disclosure in asset recovery proceedings.
Judge Willie, in denying the motion, ruled that the prosecution had met the legal threshold required to compel production of the documents sought by AREPT, which is conducting a review of properties and funds allegedly linked to public resources during the previous administration.
The Clar Hope Foundation emerged as a focal point after investigators alleged that certain assets under review may have ties to government-allocated funds.
AREPT Says “No Turning Back”
Speaking after the ruling, AREPT’s head, Edwin Kla Martin, described the court’s decision as grounded in law and established precedent.
“Based on the arguments presented and the applicable law cited, the judge found it reasonable to grant the prosecution’s request compelling the Clar Hope Foundation to produce the requested documents,” Martin told reporters.
While acknowledging the Foundation’s right to appeal, Martin made clear that the Taskforce would press ahead.
“We will pursue this matter to the letter of the law,” he declared.
“There is no turning back in this process. We have competent lawyers prepared to argue this case at the Supreme Court. We are not afraid.”
Martin stressed that the ruling should not be seen as a personal victory but as part of a broader national accountability effort.
“The Liberian people are seeking transparency. Any government-allocated funds tied to assets under investigation must be recovered and returned to the people,” he said.
AREPT currently has more than 40 additional cases on its docket involving former government officials allegedly linked to the looting of public resources, and Martin confirmed that each matter will be pursued to its “logical conclusion,” including cases involving individuals residing abroad.
Foundation Pushes Back
In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the Clar Hope Foundation said it “respectfully disagrees” with the court’s decision and has instructed its lawyers to appeal.
“Let us be clear: this appeal is not about hiding anything. It is about ensuring that the Constitution of Liberia is respected and that government power is exercised properly and fairly,” the statement read.
The Foundation emphasized that around the world, First Ladies engage in social and humanitarian work, and that the Clar Hope Foundation was established to serve vulnerable communities, support children and families, and contribute to national development.
“The Foundation has acted in good faith and in accordance with the law. It has nothing to hide,” the release stated.
It further argued that the mere existence of a charitable foundation associated with a public figure should not automatically create suspicion or a presumption of misuse of public funds.
“Service to country must not be mistaken for wrongdoing,” the statement continued.
The Foundation maintained that it stands ready to comply with any lawful process carried out in full accordance with the Constitution and expressed confidence that the judiciary will carefully consider the constitutional issues raised on appeal.
From Subpoena to Showdown
The case traces back to AREPT’s formation and mandate to identify, trace, and recover assets allegedly misappropriated from the state.
In recent months, the Taskforce has intensified its scrutiny of former officials and affiliated institutions, issuing multiple writs of subpoena for financial and administrative records.
Legal observers say the Supreme Court’s interpretation, should it take up the matter before the March 2 deadline, could define the balance between investigative powers and institutional autonomy for years to come.
With the lower court’s decision now on record, the Foundation’s appeal could potentially stay enforcement pending review.
If not, failure to comply could expose the institution to further legal consequences.
For now, attention remains fixed on whether the Clar Hope Foundation will meet the production deadline or whether the Supreme Court will intervene.
As AREPT presses forward and the defense prepares its constitutional challenge, Liberia’s evolving battle over transparency, accountability, and the rule of law has entered a decisive new phase, one that may reverberate far beyond this single subpoena.
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