Independent medical examinations conducted under the UN’s Istanbul Protocol have confirmed physical and psychological injuries consistent with torture among defendants standing trial in the Capitol Building arson case. The findings raise fresh questions about the treatment of detainees while in state custody.
The reports, issued September 16 by Dr. Philip Zochonis Ireland of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare Liberia, detailed scarring, dislocations, trauma, and severe anxiety in several defendants who alleged they were beaten, electrocuted, and humiliated while detained by the Liberia National Police and National Security Agency.
The men, Thomas Etheridge, Stephen M. Broh, Jerry Pokah, John Nyanti, and Eric Susay, gave consistent testimonies of brutal interrogations. Medical findings supported their claims:
Etheridge (40): shoulder dislocation, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat linked to torture.
Broh (54): alleged taser electrocution, falanga, and vision loss in one eye, with signs of PTSD.
Pokah (40): handcuff scars, arm injuries, and chronic anxiety, deemed consistent with torture.
Nyanti (30): abrasions and ear trauma following alleged suspension and beatings, showing psychological distress.
Susay (40): X-rays confirmed chronic shoulder dislocation from alleged blunt-force torture.
All defendants denied sexual assault but reported humiliation and stripping during detention.
The medical reviews were ordered by Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie after defense lawyers argued that state-run facilities could not provide impartial assessments. Despite objections, Judge Willie tasked AMI to conduct the examinations, ruling that torture allegations were factual matters requiring professional review.
The Ministry of Justice was directed to cover costs, while defense lawyers who initially blocked state examinations were fined for contempt.
The defendants, who face charges of arson, attempted murder, and conspiracy, include former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Human rights advocates warn that if torture is proven, it could undermine prosecution evidence and reinforce claims that statements were extracted under duress.
Dr. Ireland recommended urgent psychological treatment, specialist care for vision and orthopedic injuries, and preservation of evidence for judicial and human rights proceedings. Judge Willie is expected to rule September 24 on whether the findings affect the admissibility of evidence.
