Africa-Press – Liberia. Despite the threats, Judge Smith has vowed to remain impartial, emphasizing that intimidation cannot deter judges from fulfilling their constitutional duties.
Judge George Smith of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court has revealed threats against his life amidst an ongoing case challenging the leadership of the House of Representatives. Judge Smith claimed that unknown individuals have threatened to burn his house and harm him if he proceeds with the case.
Legal Arguments
The case, brought by a group of lawmakers supporting embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, challenges the removal of Koffa as Speaker and the subsequent election of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon. The petitioners argue that Koon is unlawfully serving as Speaker, contending that Koffa’s removal violated constitutional and procedural rules.
They allege that the process violated Article 49 of the Constitution, which outlines procedures for electing and removing the Speaker. The group has urged the court to nullify Koon’s actions and reinstate Koffa as Speaker.
Lawyers representing Rep. Koon and the Majority Bloc have filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing a prior Supreme Court ruling on a similar matter. According to their counsel, Cllr. Varney Sherman, reopening the case would undermine the authority of the Supreme Court, which serves as the final arbiter of justice.
Just vows to continue despite threats
Despite the threats, Judge Smith has vowed to remain impartial, emphasizing that intimidation cannot deter judges from fulfilling their constitutional duties. He stated While threats to a judge’s life are concerning, they cannot serve as grounds to suspend proceedings, as doing so would undermine the judiciary’s constitutional mandate.
Just Smith has set Monday, January 27 to rule whether he will continue or stop adjudicating the case.
Majority Bloc Lawmakers Threaten Impeachment
Prior to the court proceedings, the situation escalated on Tuesday during session as Majority Bloc lawmakers called for Judge Smith’s impeachment, accusing him of interfering in legislative affairs. “This is gross disrespect to the legislature and its internal processes,” one legislator remarked. Rep. Jeremiah Sokan (District #1, Grand Gedeh County) warned that Judge Smith could face impeachment if he continues to “meddle in political activities.”
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