Liberia President pardons jailed minister of defense

MONROVIA, Liberia

President George Weah has ordered the suspension of the two year prison sentence imposed on former Defense Minister Brownie Samukai (pictured).

The Pardon comes during the Celebration of the Bicentennial marking 200 years of existence Liberia's existence.

"The President of Liberia, under Article 59 of the 1986 Constitution which vests in him the power and authority to grant reprieves, suspend fines, sentences and pardon anyone convicted and sentenced for a crime has, with immediate effect, ordered the suspension of the two (2) year prison sentence imposed on Mr. Browne J. Samukai, following his conviction by the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia; with the provison that he (Brownie J. Samukai) will work with the Ministry of Justice to enter a stipulation for the full settlement of the Armed Forces of Liberia money," disclosed Nathaniel McGill, the President Chief of Staff and Minister of State.

According to Minister McGill, President Weah has directed the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to make full payment of the outstanding balance of the AFL money, while Mr. Samukai is going through the Stipulation Payment Agreement.

The Clemency comes a week after the Liberian Senate declared the Lofa County Senatorial seat Vacant.

The Dean of the Cabinet and Officer in Charge, Minister Nathaniel McGill, made the declaration on behalf of the President in a press conference this afternoon.

President Weah is currently out of Liberia on a visit to Senegal to mark the official dedication of the Country's elaborate stadium.

Mr. Samukai won the December 2020 Lofa County Senatorial seat but, after more than a year since he won, the Senator-elect has yet to be certificated due to the Court's ruling of misappropriation of AFL personnel money.

Meanwhile, President Weah also issued a proclamation granting clemency, ordering the Ministry of Justice to pardon five hundred (500) inmates where applicable.

In the proclamation, President Weah said those expected to be pardoned including those who committed misdemeanors and capital offenses.

Rapists and Armed Robbers are not included.

"As Liberians joyously celebrate 200 years of existence as a nation and people, the President has further directed the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General to submit to his Office a list of persons to be pardoned during these festive celebrations. The President has also called on all Liberians to reconcile their differences and transform Liberia into a haven of peace."