- A Liberian court has summoned Liberia Football Association presidential aspirant Cassell Anthony Kouh to answer contempt proceedings linked to a leaked audio recording in which a voice identified as his is heard alleging that Vice President Jeremiah Kpahn Koung interfered in a judicial ruling affecting the LFA's upcoming elections.
The order, issued by the Civil Law Court, directs Kouh, who also serves as president of FC Fassell, one of Liberia's prominent football clubs, to appear before Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6.
The recording and its claims
In the audio, believed to be a telephone conversation, the voice identified as Kouh alleges that Vice President Koung influenced Judge Gbeneweleh's decision to issue a permanent injunction against the LFA's April 18 ordinary elective congress.
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The recording also references Judge Joseph Kollie of the Labor Court, who sits as a co-opted member of the LFA executive committee. According to the audio, Kollie initially advised Judge Gbeneweleh against granting the injunction, but the judge later issued the ruling following an alleged call from the Vice President.
"That identical injunction, the vice president himself told the people to go ahead with it," the voice says in the recording.
The source and authenticity of the recording have not been independently verified by The Liberian Investigator.
Kouh has denied the claims outright, describing the recording as fabricated.
The contempt proceedings
The writ of contempt directs Kouh to appear before the court and show cause why his alleged role in circulating the recording should not be deemed a violation of the court's authority. If found in contempt, he could face fines or other sanctions under Liberian law.
The court has separately scheduled a hearing on a motion to strike tied to a petition for declaratory judgment filed in the same matter. A notice of assignment directs all parties and their legal representatives to appear at the same date and time.
Court documents, signed by Clerk of Court Victor G. Gailor and dated April 2, confirm that the Sheriff of Montserrado County has been instructed to notify all parties.
The underlying dispute
The contempt summons is the latest escalation in a widening legal battle over the LFA electoral process. Kouh, the movant in the underlying case, is challenging actions by the LFA Elections Committee and several officials, including members of the association's executive committee.
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Respondents include LFA president Mustapha I. Raji and other executive members. The LFA is represented by its legal affairs manager, Benedict Yarsiah. Kouh is represented by Meridian Law Associates LLC in association with Torch Professional Consultancy Inc.
