George J. Borteh
19 April 2008
The judge presiding over the ongoing treason trial involving two former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) retired soldiers, Charles Julu and Andrew Dorbor, says he is getting sick of the entire treason proceedings Judge Peter Gbenewelleh made the statement on April 15, 2008 in open court during ten minutes argument between government's lawyers and lawyers presenting defendants Julu and Dorbor.
"I'm getting sick of this case. This one case can finish now?," Judge Gbenewelleh wondered. Though judge Gbenewelleh's statement accompanied a lively smile, it may be due to the six (6) continuous filed by prosecution since the commencement of the new treason trial.
Judge Gbenewelleh's statement, according to some legal minds talked to, may have been to strengthen both parties to speed up the trial. Others are of the view that it was intended to bear pressure on lawyers presenting the Liberian government not to resort to delay tactics.
Meanwhile, the second witness produced by defense lawyers has testified, saying that he was forced by a team of government lawyers in the office of Montserrado County Attorney, Samuel Jacobs, to tell lies in court against co-defendant Julu.
Defendant Andrew Dorbor told court during the first trial that he received US$20.00 from Lebanese businessman, Jacob Karan as hotel bill and US$30 as transport to travel to Grand Gedeh County. But in his testimony yesterday, he said he received US$25.00 and US$20.00 for said purpose.
"Jacob Karan gave me US$20.00 as hotel fees and US$25.00 as transport to travel to Grand Gedeh County as a final journey to the Ivory Coast", defendant Dorbor told the court.
The former AFL and retired General and Colonel were arrested by state security and charged with the crime Treason for allegedly wanting to overthrow the Ellen led administration and they are currently been tried.
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