Liberian authorities have initiated legal proceedings to extradite a Liberian man, Othello Bruce, to the United States, where he faces serious charges of aggravated statutory rape involving his own teenage daughter.
The case stems from a request by the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, which alleges that Bruce sexually assaulted his 14-year-old biological daughter while residing in Worcester, Massachusetts. According to U.S. court documents, the abuse reportedly took place between December 2010 and March 2012.
A grand jury in the U.S. indicted Bruce in 2013 on 12 criminal counts, including four charges of indecent assault and battery. However, Bruce had already left the U.S. by then, leading American authorities to seek his extradition.
Now, more than a decade after the alleged crimes, Liberia’s Ministry of Justice has filed an extradition request before the Monrovia City Court, invoking a 1937 treaty between Liberia and the United States.
Bruce was served a writ and made his first court appearance on Monday, April 14, as the legal process begins. If extradited, he will stand trial in Massachusetts, where the charges against him remain pending.
The case has drawn attention to the legal cooperation between Liberia and the U.S. in addressing serious crimes, particularly those involving child sexual abuse. Advocates for justice have emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of where they attempt to evade prosecution.
As proceedings continue, many will be watching to see whether Bruce is sent back to the U.S. to face the allegations, a decision that could set a significant precedent for future extradition cases between the two nations.
Updates on the case are expected as the Monrovia City Court reviews the extradition request.
Source: Spoon TV Live
