Liberia Government (Monrovia)
3 December 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has welcomed the establishment of a court in the country to handle cases of sexual violence. Speaking Wednesday at the dedicatory ceremony of criminal court 'E' at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the President observed that Governance and the Rule of Law continue to pose challenges in government's overall efforts to meet its development priorities. The President noted that unless practical measures are put in place to establish the rule of law, where there is confidence in the legal system, the development of the country will continue to experience setbacks.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader praised the government of Denmark for providing the funds for the renovation of the court. The President expressed the hope that the establishment of the court will help confront the increasing wave of sexual violence in the country. She said the fight against gender violence must claim the attention of all, assuring victims of sexual violence that government will continue to institute measures to confront the problem.
Chief Justice, His Honor, Johnnie Lewis, lauded the Danish government for the support it has provided in rehabilitating the facilities. Chief Justice Lewis noted that Denmark's continuous support, focusing on protecting and safeguarding the right of women, has been critical towards government's efforts to strengthen the country's justice system. Denmark provided more than US $2-hundred thousand for the rehabilitation of the court.
Danish ambassador accredited near Monrovia, His Excellency, Stig Barlyng said his country's contribution towards the rehabilitation of the court is intended to send a strong message that rape and other gender-based violence has no place in Liberia.
The first of its kind in Liberia, the newly renovated court is equipped with close-socket television sets which provide protection for rape victims. Areas renovated include the chambers for judges, sheriffs, office of the clerk, filing storage and toilet facilities.
Established in 1972, Criminal court 'E' has exclusive original jurisdiction of the crimes of rape, gang rape, aggravated involuntary sodomy, voluntary sodomy, corruption of minors, and sexual assault.
Wednesday's dedicatory ceremonies were witnessed by officials and members of the Bar Association, Justice Minister Philip Banks as well as members of the diplomatic corp.
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