All lawmakers representing Grand Kru County under the banner of the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus have come out in strong solidarity with their colleague and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, demanding his immediate release from detention.
In an official statement titled “Statement of Solidarity for Hon. J. Fonati Koffa,” the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus expressed deep concern over what it termed as an “unfortunate situation” involving Rep. Koffa, who is currently facing legal proceedings stemming from alleged acts of arson and other charges leveled by the state.
“The Caucus is highly disturbed by this unfortunate situation that has engulfed Hon. Cllr. Koffa and hereby expresses its deepest empathy to him for the uncomfortable experience that he is undergoing,” the document read.
The lawmakers emphasized that the charges brought against the Grand Kru District #2 Representative are bailable under Article 21 (d) of the 1986 Constitution, which provides that all accused persons shall be bailable based on recognizance or sufficient sureties, depending on the gravity of the offense.
“We kindly request the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary Branch of Government to have him released from further detention on his personal recognizance,” the Caucus urged.
According to the statement, Hon. Koffa, being a sitting lawmaker and former Speaker, does not pose a flight risk. The Caucus stressed the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of their colleague, calling on the government to ensure that his legal process is free, fair, and impartial.
The statement ended on a hopeful note, saying:
“It is the conviction of the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus that its member, Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, will be cleared by the Court of the charges levied against him by the State.”
The political and legal drama surrounding Hon. Koffa, one of Liberia’s most prominent lawmakers, is expected to generate intense national attention in the days ahead, as calls for his release grow louder within and beyond the walls of the Capitol.
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