Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Chairman of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Janga Kowo, was on Monday denied entry to the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, where the trial of former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and four other lawmakers is underway.
The Temple of Justice compound, which houses the Supreme Court and several other courts including the Monrovia City Court, was under heavy security as state security forces enforced strict access control in anticipation of political tensions surrounding the trial.
Kowo, wearing a blue suit, arrived in a red Wrangler vehicle and told officers at the gate that he was there to show solidarity with the accused lawmakers and observe the court proceedings. However, officers from the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) blocked his entry, forming a shielded barrier at the entrance.
No official explanation was given for the denial.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa, Kowo said the action by the officers amounted to a violation of his rights. “This is a public facility and I came here along with my Political Leader to show solidarity to our lawmakers, but my rights are being violated,” he said. “I am leaving now and will follow my Political Leader; he’s already coming outside.”
Kowo briefly posed for photographs at the scene before departing without incident.
The incident comes just two days after Kowo was allegedly assaulted and arrested by police near the Monrovia Central Prison, where Koffa and three other lawmakers were being held. At the time, Kowo and other CDC supporters had assembled peacefully in protest of the arrests.
On Monday, after leaving the Temple of Justice, Kowo rejoined the convoy of CDC Political Leader and former President George Weah, who had also come to show support for the defendants.
Security on Capitol Hill was significantly increased due to the high-profile nature of the ongoing case. The lawmakers are facing charges stemming from the December 18, 2023, fire that destroyed the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building, the official seat of the Liberian Legislature.
The Liberia National Police and the Liberia National Fire Service concluded that the fire was caused by arson. Consequently, Representatives J. Fonati Koffa (Grand Kru District 2), Abu B. Kamara (Montserrado District 15), Dixon Seboe (Montserrado District #16), Priscilla Cooper (Montserrado District 5), and Jacob Debee (Grand Gedeh District 3) were charged with arson, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.
Four of the lawmakers were detained for two nights at the Monrovia Central Prison. Representative Priscilla Cooper, of the ruling Unity Party, was released to her lawyer due to medical concerns.
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