Letter of the Day: Journalist, Accused Rapist Takes Issue with Liberia’s Rape Law06/11/08 -
Bill K. Jarkloh, jloplehdee@gmail.com
The Editor,
Firstly, I write FrontPageAfrica to establish the flaws of the new rape law and as well to state how draconian it is. Let me mention that the new Rape Law has become an instrument for revenge against people. Several others who do not have the means to fight rape cases are languishing behind bars at the Monrovia Central Prison without trial simply because one landlord or some adversaries use rape to settle scores. Dozens of them on rape charges do not have the opportunity to be heard because of the sentiment factor and the negligence on the part of the state to prosecute them. Some have over stayed from six months to two years.
Some of them, like it was in my case, may be innocently accused. And all because rape is not bailable, they suffer innocently as they are dumped behind bars. This attitude defy justice and the rule of law, which is on the lips of this government; and unless people accused are tried expeditiously, the quest for justice will just amount to lip service and a deceit that has the propensity to mislead the international community about good governance which cannot obtain in the absence of justice.
It is no doubt that rape is heinous and deserves harsh punishment. But it is now being used to witch-haunt because the accused will be tied down in prison without the opportunity to fight back for his defence simply because he is not entitled to bail. Some people have no real relatives or family to fight for them. They fight for themselves when they are accused. Being accused for a crime that is not bailable - like murder or treason - as in the case of this proliferated rape charges paralyzes one’s ability to defend himself against his accusers.
I therefore conclude here that the new rape law must be reviewed so as to give it a new dimension that will prevent criminal-minded individuals from using the crime, rape, to tarnish the reputation of innocent people simply because they want them destroyed, or because they want them perpetually incarcerated.
This was the situation with me recently when I was thrown into the Monrovia Central Prison on the Rape/Sodomy Charges orchestrated against me by those who want to see me destroyed or kept in jailed. But thank God that my innocence is being established, and that God knows and sees all things and will continue to plead my cause and vindicate me.
Dislike for FPA, Editor
But I must register my dislike of how FrontPageAfrica initially treated me when Sorbor George who is petty about me for material things, things which I have acquired through hard work, masterminded allegations of Rape/Sodomy against me. The FPA went about placing my name on the internet when the Editor was in Monrovia and could have contacted me at the Central Prison or my family through Josephus Moses Gray to get a better understanding of the situation.
In the first place, the little girl who is the victim at every forum testified not my name, but that of one Lincoln who she said abused her in a Video club. She even made this very testimony to the Chief Justice when the Police took her to court for the first time in front of a mammoth crowd. It was the girl's mother Janjan who was being used by Sorbor George and the Chief Justice to accuse me. Even when she was being coerced to testify my name at the Criminal Court "B" by Judge Evelyna Quaqua, she was convinced by the Spirit of God through my innocence that she broke into tears and refused to say a word.
Preliminary investigation at the City Court was consistently avoided for the three weeks I spent in jail by magistrate Moses Sondah M. Wondah because such a hearing would have revealed my innocence and resulted into my release from detention even before the day they released me. All this travesty of justice was meted to me because the Rape/Sodomy Charges were pronounced against me by Chief Justice Johnny Lewis who ordered the magistrate to serve the arrest warrant against me.
For that same reason the Criminal Court "B" Judge which I thought could give me justice avoided handing down ruling requesting admittance to bail in favor of me for lack of evidence; the judge and the girl's instead was coercing the girl to call my name as her abuser, but God maintained my innocence and little Love Samuels broke into tears and could not incriminate me.
It was against this background my lawyer revoked the Motion for defendant Jarkloh's Admittance to Bail for lack of evidence which State prosecutors did not also oppose, thereby remitting the case back to the City Court where the “Nolle Prosequoi” was filed in my favor thereby releasing me from further detention.
As we speak, the police have reported and it has come to my knowledge that the Police Investigation mentioned another person other than Bill Jarkloh. By the grace of Jehovah God who knows all things and says by the truth we shall be set free, I am convinced that this has laid the issue to rest against me.
Bill K. Jarkloh
Panwhan.blogspot.com or billkjarkloh.wordpress.com
jloplehdee@gmail.com
Monrovia -Liberia
Friday, June 27, 2008
Journalist Jarkloh Writes from Prison
BILL JARKLOH WRITES FROM PRISON
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
“Many people who know me, Bill K. Jarkloh, I guess, were surprised when they read on the FrontPageAfrica website, Heritage, The INQUIRER newspapers and heard on Star Radio that I was arrested and being detained at the Monrovia Central Prison on allegation of “Rape and Sodomy,” he said.
He said at all cost, the fact remains that “I am innocent, and I am being humiliated by a conspiracy masterminded and championed by Sorbor George”, a reporter of Star Radio in Monrovia. Mr. George and I lived in the same building but in separate apartments.
Besides, he said, “the conspiracy against him is also being masterminded by officials of the court.
“Oh People of Liberia, justice has remained injustice in this country. My experience that lands me to the Monrovia Central Prison on the Charge of “RAPE/SODOMY” is as bitter as any of those brought against the innocent though conspiracy,” he writes.
“All I say in this epistle is that I am at present detained on the crime of RAPE/SODOMY because the court officials instructed my arrest and detention for a crime I know nothing about,” Jarkloh said in his letter.
He claimed the Magistrate was instructed by some at the helm of power to deny my fiancée Korpo Kortimai bail because he and enemies of progress want Korpo and I to be brought to the South Beach together disgraced for a good we did. “But God says “the truth that is buried shall rise again,” he added.
He said the crux of the matter is that one Janjay, said to be a mother of eight-year-old “Tenesee” (Love) Samuels abandoned Love for more than one month and chased her out of their residence.
This minor was sleeping in street corners, video clubs and under market stalls. Love told Korpo, human right activist/personnel, how one Lincoln had abused her at a video club in the middle of the night.
Thereafter, he said, a lady rescued her and turned her over to Korpo as people in the community usually do when an abandoned or abused child was found. Korpo Kortimai, as usual, took “Love” to Love’s “mother” Janjay but Janjay told Korpo that because she Janjay didn’t want Love to run from the house again, (Korpo) should keep the child and counsel her.
But looking at the poor health situation, Korpo had reported this minor to the Women and Children Protection Unit of the LNP (Central). “Love was processed at the police Headquarters and taken to a “Safe Home”.
A week later, Janjay started to grumble Korpo to see the “Safe Home”, apparently thinking that sending Love there is for pecuniary gain to Korpo and her household. And because there are already envious people in the community that Korpo and I live, they have now connived; saying that my charming spouse, Korpo, “kidnapped” Love while I raped and sodomized the little girl.
He said the police investigation regarding the abandonment and raping of Love was ignored for whatsoever interest to order the issuance of a writ of arrest against me for “SODOMY/RAPE” without a police charge sheet; at the same time, warning Attorney Doyen who is insisting on outcome of police investigation to keep off the matter.
Instead, Justice Johnnie Lewis said he preferred Attorney Sam T. Solomon to use Janjay and my enemies to incarcerate me at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach) without the police report on the case and medical documents (report) to establish their claims against me.
Presently, my fiancée Korpo Kortimai has since been released upon filing a bail while I am still being detained without being prosecuted on the charges of rape and sodomy brought against me.
My fiancée and I have been good to Love and her mother. Unfortunately, our kindness has turned into bad and we are being paid with false charges just to destroy our hard earned reputation and characters. But let me reiterate, I Am Innocent, I need a speedy trial, I should not be kept without trial.
To my professional colleagues in the media, I am appealing to kindly do me justice by trying to get my sides of the story, instead of publishing one-sided story. Please try to reach me at the Monrovia Central Prison or my fiancée Korpo Kortimai who is available for interviews on the subject at bar.
I have noticed from the recent publications on the internet, newspapers and radio stations, none of my professional colleagues made effort to get my side of the story. Please remember there are two sides to every story and kindly do me justice to get my version of the story.
Besides, I would appreciate if the media will go beyond sources and contact all parties involved in this case including the Police Women and Children Unit, the Save Home, Assistant Montserrado County Attorney Witness Doyen and his Senior County Attorney Samuel Jacobs.
To conclude, let Mr. Sorbor George, a reporter of Star Radio in Monrovia know that he will not succeed to destroy me. I’m Innocent and with God above, I will majestically walk through the doors of the court when the case shall be judged. To my brothers and sisters, my friends and well wishers, let not be discouraged, I will definitely be set free.
I’m innocent and that the Almighty God whom we all serve will reward Sorbor George and all those who are plotting against me. No condition is permanent, I fear nothing, and my consciences are much clear.
Can you imagine, on four occasions, Mr. George has issued a lawsuit against me? To get the actual story and details, I encourage my professional media colleagues and human right activists to kindly reach me at the Central Prison. I want to speak out.
I’m appealing to the Press Union of Liberia to kindly press for a speedily and fair trial. If I committed a crime, I should be fairly prosecuted and not to be kept in detention for a protracted period without justice being done. Let me have my days in court and face justice. I’m hungry for justice; I am demanding a speedy trial.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
“Many people who know me, Bill K. Jarkloh, I guess, were surprised when they read on the FrontPageAfrica website, Heritage, The INQUIRER newspapers and heard on Star Radio that I was arrested and being detained at the Monrovia Central Prison on allegation of “Rape and Sodomy,” he said.
He said at all cost, the fact remains that “I am innocent, and I am being humiliated by a conspiracy masterminded and championed by Sorbor George”, a reporter of Star Radio in Monrovia. Mr. George and I lived in the same building but in separate apartments.
Besides, he said, “the conspiracy against him is also being masterminded by officials of the court.
“Oh People of Liberia, justice has remained injustice in this country. My experience that lands me to the Monrovia Central Prison on the Charge of “RAPE/SODOMY” is as bitter as any of those brought against the innocent though conspiracy,” he writes.
“All I say in this epistle is that I am at present detained on the crime of RAPE/SODOMY because the court officials instructed my arrest and detention for a crime I know nothing about,” Jarkloh said in his letter.
He claimed the Magistrate was instructed by some at the helm of power to deny my fiancée Korpo Kortimai bail because he and enemies of progress want Korpo and I to be brought to the South Beach together disgraced for a good we did. “But God says “the truth that is buried shall rise again,” he added.
He said the crux of the matter is that one Janjay, said to be a mother of eight-year-old “Tenesee” (Love) Samuels abandoned Love for more than one month and chased her out of their residence.
This minor was sleeping in street corners, video clubs and under market stalls. Love told Korpo, human right activist/personnel, how one Lincoln had abused her at a video club in the middle of the night.
Thereafter, he said, a lady rescued her and turned her over to Korpo as people in the community usually do when an abandoned or abused child was found. Korpo Kortimai, as usual, took “Love” to Love’s “mother” Janjay but Janjay told Korpo that because she Janjay didn’t want Love to run from the house again, (Korpo) should keep the child and counsel her.
But looking at the poor health situation, Korpo had reported this minor to the Women and Children Protection Unit of the LNP (Central). “Love was processed at the police Headquarters and taken to a “Safe Home”.
A week later, Janjay started to grumble Korpo to see the “Safe Home”, apparently thinking that sending Love there is for pecuniary gain to Korpo and her household. And because there are already envious people in the community that Korpo and I live, they have now connived; saying that my charming spouse, Korpo, “kidnapped” Love while I raped and sodomized the little girl.
He said the police investigation regarding the abandonment and raping of Love was ignored for whatsoever interest to order the issuance of a writ of arrest against me for “SODOMY/RAPE” without a police charge sheet; at the same time, warning Attorney Doyen who is insisting on outcome of police investigation to keep off the matter.
Instead, Justice Johnnie Lewis said he preferred Attorney Sam T. Solomon to use Janjay and my enemies to incarcerate me at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach) without the police report on the case and medical documents (report) to establish their claims against me.
Presently, my fiancée Korpo Kortimai has since been released upon filing a bail while I am still being detained without being prosecuted on the charges of rape and sodomy brought against me.
My fiancée and I have been good to Love and her mother. Unfortunately, our kindness has turned into bad and we are being paid with false charges just to destroy our hard earned reputation and characters. But let me reiterate, I Am Innocent, I need a speedy trial, I should not be kept without trial.
To my professional colleagues in the media, I am appealing to kindly do me justice by trying to get my sides of the story, instead of publishing one-sided story. Please try to reach me at the Monrovia Central Prison or my fiancée Korpo Kortimai who is available for interviews on the subject at bar.
I have noticed from the recent publications on the internet, newspapers and radio stations, none of my professional colleagues made effort to get my side of the story. Please remember there are two sides to every story and kindly do me justice to get my version of the story.
Besides, I would appreciate if the media will go beyond sources and contact all parties involved in this case including the Police Women and Children Unit, the Save Home, Assistant Montserrado County Attorney Witness Doyen and his Senior County Attorney Samuel Jacobs.
To conclude, let Mr. Sorbor George, a reporter of Star Radio in Monrovia know that he will not succeed to destroy me. I’m Innocent and with God above, I will majestically walk through the doors of the court when the case shall be judged. To my brothers and sisters, my friends and well wishers, let not be discouraged, I will definitely be set free.
I’m innocent and that the Almighty God whom we all serve will reward Sorbor George and all those who are plotting against me. No condition is permanent, I fear nothing, and my consciences are much clear.
Can you imagine, on four occasions, Mr. George has issued a lawsuit against me? To get the actual story and details, I encourage my professional media colleagues and human right activists to kindly reach me at the Central Prison. I want to speak out.
I’m appealing to the Press Union of Liberia to kindly press for a speedily and fair trial. If I committed a crime, I should be fairly prosecuted and not to be kept in detention for a protracted period without justice being done. Let me have my days in court and face justice. I’m hungry for justice; I am demanding a speedy trial.
Ghanaian Embassy On Journalist Jarkloh Arrest
The Inquirer (Monrovia)
NEWS22 May 2008 Posted to the web 22 May 2008 By Patrick K. Wrokpoh
The Ghanaian Embassy near Monrovia has for the first time spoken on the arrest and subsequent detention of its Public Relations Officer, Bill Jarkloh, who has been accused of rape.
The Ambassador of Ghana, Francis Adu- Amanfoh said the Embassy in not intervening in the matter and is allowing the laws of Liberia to take its course.
GA_googleFillSlot("AllAfrica_Other_Inset");
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday when he was asked about the issue in Grand Cape Mount County, where he had traveled with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to participate in a three- day cabinet retreat, the Ghanaian Ambassador said it is the understanding of the Embassy that criminal investigation is being carried out in the matter and results of his understanding over the matter suggest that the allegation against the Embassy's Public Relations Officer is untrue.
"If the allegation is not true, I am expecting that the laws of the land should take its course," he said.
He added that if the allegation is not true, the accused journalist should be given his right.
Asked whether in the wake of the latest accusation he can guarantee the accused job with the Embassy, Ambassador Amanfoh said: "As long as no court of law has found him guilty of any offense, he has a job. I do not have any problem with that at all."
Late last month, reports surfaced in Monrovia that journalist Bill Jarkloh, a one- time winner of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Feature Writer Award, was accused of raping and sodomizing an eight-year old girl on Perry Street, where he also resides. The journalist has since denied the claim.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Amanfoh has admonished Ghanaians living in Liberia to regularize at all times their immigration status by registering with the Liberian immigration authority.
He said things have changed over the years and it is now a matter of must that people from elsewhere who want to live in another country to respect and follow the immigration laws, something which he noted his Embassy has embarked upon a campaign to Ghanaians wanting to stay in Liberia.
The Inquirer (Monrovia)
NEWS22 May 2008 Posted to the web 22 May 2008 By Patrick K. Wrokpoh
The Ghanaian Embassy near Monrovia has for the first time spoken on the arrest and subsequent detention of its Public Relations Officer, Bill Jarkloh, who has been accused of rape.
The Ambassador of Ghana, Francis Adu- Amanfoh said the Embassy in not intervening in the matter and is allowing the laws of Liberia to take its course.
GA_googleFillSlot("AllAfrica_Other_Inset");
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday when he was asked about the issue in Grand Cape Mount County, where he had traveled with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to participate in a three- day cabinet retreat, the Ghanaian Ambassador said it is the understanding of the Embassy that criminal investigation is being carried out in the matter and results of his understanding over the matter suggest that the allegation against the Embassy's Public Relations Officer is untrue.
"If the allegation is not true, I am expecting that the laws of the land should take its course," he said.
He added that if the allegation is not true, the accused journalist should be given his right.
Asked whether in the wake of the latest accusation he can guarantee the accused job with the Embassy, Ambassador Amanfoh said: "As long as no court of law has found him guilty of any offense, he has a job. I do not have any problem with that at all."
Late last month, reports surfaced in Monrovia that journalist Bill Jarkloh, a one- time winner of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Feature Writer Award, was accused of raping and sodomizing an eight-year old girl on Perry Street, where he also resides. The journalist has since denied the claim.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Amanfoh has admonished Ghanaians living in Liberia to regularize at all times their immigration status by registering with the Liberian immigration authority.
He said things have changed over the years and it is now a matter of must that people from elsewhere who want to live in another country to respect and follow the immigration laws, something which he noted his Embassy has embarked upon a campaign to Ghanaians wanting to stay in Liberia.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
No Evidence Against Jarkloh – G
No Evidence Against Jarkloh - Gov’t Lawyer Declares
By George J. Borteh
Bill Jarkloh, who has spent a little over two weeks behind bars for alleged rape could be released in a matter of days as lawyer representing the government of Liberia say there is no evidence to prosecute him.
• Mr. Bill Jarkloh
Bill was jailed for allegedly raping a seven years old girl, said to be leaving with him at the time of the reported incident.
Assistant Montserrado County Attorney, Atty. Witness Doyen told Criminal Court-B Judge that since defendant Jarkloh was accused, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has not been able to produce a charge sheet, to indicate that accused Jarkloh did commit such alleged act.
His declaration evolved when counsels for defendant Jarkloh filed a motion to release on bail.
“Prosecution says since the police cannot produce, or have no charge sheet for the defendant in keeping with the laws, as evidence to prosecute the defendant, prosecution poses no objection to the motion filed by the counsels for defendant Jarkloh,” Atty. Doyen told the court yesterday.
At the same, he sounded a bit contradictory, observers said; when he declared that the state was also waiting for relevant evidence to bring the defendant to court. This could mean, legal experts said, that it may ask the police to produce the necessary as required by law to prosecute Jarkloh.
Their client having spent about two weeks behind bar, counsels for defendant Jarkloh headed by Cllr. Dempster Brown filed a motion to admit him (Jarkloh) to a bail.
Submitting to the motion in keeping with law, prosecution lawyers led by Attorney Witness Doyen interposed no objection to the motion, meaning that the motion stands to be granted.
However, the Judge of Criminal Court B, who is in charge of the case reserved ruling until Friday, June 6, 2008, and called on both lawyers to be present in court and on time.
Few weeks ago, Journalist Bill Jarkloh and his fiancé were arrested by state security for allegedly rape and kidnap.
The fiancé was released days after on a criminal appearance bond, and with the filing in a motion to admit defendant Jarkloh to a bail, legal analysts say the defendant will likely to join his fiancé.
No Evidence Against Jarkloh – G
No Evidence Against Jarkloh - Gov’t Lawyer Declares
By George J. Borteh
Bill Jarkloh, who has spent a little over two weeks behind bars for alleged rape could be released in a matter of days as lawyer representing the government of Liberia say there is no evidence to prosecute him.
• Mr. Bill Jarkloh
Bill was jailed for allegedly raping a seven years old girl, said to be leaving with him at the time of the reported incident.
Assistant Montserrado County Attorney, Atty. Witness Doyen told Criminal Court-B Judge that since defendant Jarkloh was accused, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has not been able to produce a charge sheet, to indicate that accused Jarkloh did commit such alleged act.
His declaration evolved when counsels for defendant Jarkloh filed a motion to release on bail.
“Prosecution says since the police cannot produce, or have no charge sheet for the defendant in keeping with the laws, as evidence to prosecute the defendant, prosecution poses no objection to the motion filed by the counsels for defendant Jarkloh,” Atty. Doyen told the court yesterday.
At the same, he sounded a bit contradictory, observers said; when he declared that the state was also waiting for relevant evidence to bring the defendant to court. This could mean, legal experts said, that it may ask the police to produce the necessary as required by law to prosecute Jarkloh.
Their client having spent about two weeks behind bar, counsels for defendant Jarkloh headed by Cllr. Dempster Brown filed a motion to admit him (Jarkloh) to a bail.
Submitting to the motion in keeping with law, prosecution lawyers led by Attorney Witness Doyen interposed no objection to the motion, meaning that the motion stands to be granted.
However, the Judge of Criminal Court B, who is in charge of the case reserved ruling until Friday, June 6, 2008, and called on both lawyers to be present in court and on time.
Few weeks ago, Journalist Bill Jarkloh and his fiancé were arrested by state security for allegedly rape and kidnap.
The fiancé was released days after on a criminal appearance bond, and with the filing in a motion to admit defendant Jarkloh to a bail, legal analysts say the defendant will likely to join his fiancé.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Liberia: The Lessons Unlearnt
It's time for Liberia to heed the masses' Call;
More than e'er, the writings still're on the wall.
We've trodden thus far from our darkest past
Yet we sound this call with a trumpet blast.
More than e'er, the writings still're on the wall.
We've trodden thus far from our darkest past
Yet we sound this call with a trumpet blast.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
___ Ukraine-Liberia Friendship Organization
Srednefontanskaya Street 32A, Apartment 57; Odessa 65039, Ukraine
Tel.: (+38093)148-1343; Fax: (+38048)766-7256; E-mail: Lufo_org@yahoo.com ; State Registration Certificate No. 1199;
Date: ____June 5, 2008_______
Free Journalist Bill Jarkloh Now Campaign
There is a legal case of journalist Bill Jarkloh who has been imprisoned, falsely accused of raping and sodomizing a small girl. According to independent reports, this allegation has been concocted against him. In fact, the girl had testified in court that it was someone other than the journalist who had raped her. Despite, the Chief Justice of Liberia (Mr. Johnny Lewis) had ordered the journalist’s continuing detention in prison, baffling and postponing the trial of the case for time indefinite. We herewith, in the strongest possible terms, categorically denounce and condemn the continuing detention in prison of Mr. Bill Jarkloh without trial. It is a flagrant abuse and brazen violation of human rights when a person is denied the chance to prove his or her innocence in a competent court of justice.
It is well-known that Bill is a progressive and out-spoken investigative journalist in contemporary Liberia. He is the Public Relations Officer of the Ghanaian Embassy in Liberia and a one- time winner of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Feature Writer Award. We believe that the decision by the Chief Justice to prolong the journalist’s detention in jail and his apparent unwillingness to call and transparently judge the case is intended solely as a scarecrow to frighten other journalists and to muffle the press as a whole.
In light of the foregoing, we are embarking on this important campaign to sound an appeal to media institutions and human rights organizations to help in calling on the Chief Justice and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia to free Journalist Bill Jarkloh without delay. We are doing so to protest against this glaring miscarriage of justice. Let’s help fight against human rights abuse, corruption, intimidation of journalists and lack of transparent justice in post-war Liberia.
Yours in the cause,
Nyenetu Jarkloh.
Secretary/Human Rights Committee & Vice President
Ukraine-Liberia Friendship Society
E-mail: Lufo_org@yahoo.com; jnjarkloh@yahoo.com
Srednefontanskaya Street 32A, Apartment 57; Odessa 65039, Ukraine
Tel.: (+38093)148-1343; Fax: (+38048)766-7256; E-mail: Lufo_org@yahoo.com ; State Registration Certificate No. 1199;
Date: ____June 5, 2008_______
Free Journalist Bill Jarkloh Now Campaign
There is a legal case of journalist Bill Jarkloh who has been imprisoned, falsely accused of raping and sodomizing a small girl. According to independent reports, this allegation has been concocted against him. In fact, the girl had testified in court that it was someone other than the journalist who had raped her. Despite, the Chief Justice of Liberia (Mr. Johnny Lewis) had ordered the journalist’s continuing detention in prison, baffling and postponing the trial of the case for time indefinite. We herewith, in the strongest possible terms, categorically denounce and condemn the continuing detention in prison of Mr. Bill Jarkloh without trial. It is a flagrant abuse and brazen violation of human rights when a person is denied the chance to prove his or her innocence in a competent court of justice.
It is well-known that Bill is a progressive and out-spoken investigative journalist in contemporary Liberia. He is the Public Relations Officer of the Ghanaian Embassy in Liberia and a one- time winner of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Feature Writer Award. We believe that the decision by the Chief Justice to prolong the journalist’s detention in jail and his apparent unwillingness to call and transparently judge the case is intended solely as a scarecrow to frighten other journalists and to muffle the press as a whole.
In light of the foregoing, we are embarking on this important campaign to sound an appeal to media institutions and human rights organizations to help in calling on the Chief Justice and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia to free Journalist Bill Jarkloh without delay. We are doing so to protest against this glaring miscarriage of justice. Let’s help fight against human rights abuse, corruption, intimidation of journalists and lack of transparent justice in post-war Liberia.
Yours in the cause,
Nyenetu Jarkloh.
Secretary/Human Rights Committee & Vice President
Ukraine-Liberia Friendship Society
E-mail: Lufo_org@yahoo.com; jnjarkloh@yahoo.com
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