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Liberia: Banks Slams Justice System
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The NEWS (Monrovia)
6 May 2008
Posted to the web 6 May 2008
Robbie Semple
Monrovia
Minister of Justice Cllr. Philip A. Z. Banks has criticized the justice system in the wake of the not guilty verdict rendered in favor of Retired General Charles Julu and Col. Andrew Dorbor in the treason trial last week.
Speaking at a special edition of the Edward Wilmot Blyden Lecture Forum organized by the Press Union of Liberia Saturday, Cllr. Banks said the conduct of some judges poses a bigger threat to the nation than armed robbers.
Speaking particularly on the treason trial, Minister Banks questioned the judgment of the trial adding, "If you investigate the trial fully, read all the court's reports and witness transcripts, you have to question how the judge came to a not guilty verdict."
Invoking his legal expertise, Minister Banks continued: "If you get a panel of five lawyers to examine the decision, they would almost certainly find it to be wrong."
The lecture forum was held in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day under the theme: "Freedom of Access and Empowerment."
Co-panelist at the Blyden Forum was the Political Leader of Liberty Party Cllr. Charles Brumskine.
He reminded the audience of the role the "Fourth Estate" plays as an official and independent check on the three branches of government.
He also stated his support for the draft Freedom of Information Act presented to the legislature by the PUL last month.
Cllr. Brumskine called on lawmakers, particularly those from the Liberty Party to ensure the passage of the three media bills.
Minister Banks echoed Cllr. Brumskine's support for the draft Act.
He urged the media to be objective, and to research and analyze the issues they write.
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For his part, Minister Banks proclaimed: "As long as I am in power, I will do everything I can to uphold the freedom of the press."
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