The National Chairman of the Community Watch Forum of Liberia, (CWFL), Mr. Isaac Nyenati Kaffey says the courts and correctional centers have become an embarrassment to the criminal justice system of Liberia.
Chairman Kaffey made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with some local journalists at his Monrovia office recently.
Mr. Kaffey noted that judges and magistrates are in the constant habit of dragging cases that could be fast tracked in a shortest possible time.'
He said that Judges and Magistrates are involved in the delaying of cases because of financial gains. At the same time citizens have been detained without trial for more than eight to nine months.
Kaffey said that besides, when these detainees have been sent to court, there is no transparent and fair judgment in the cases which is prolonging their detention at various prison compounds.
He said the failure of the courts to fast track cases is one of the major factors responsible for the rampant criminal activities in the society.
He observed that besides the courts delaying of cases, those who have been found guilty for high crimes such as rape and armed robbery have been placed in the same cells with those who are committed petty crimes.
He cited an example of a police officer who was recently killed in Lofa County, because the officer was placed in the same cell with those who are committed serious crimes.
The CWFL boss is urging the government formulate strategies that will reduce the overcrowded in the various prison compounds for the betterment of the inmates.
He said that it is regrettable to note that defendants cannot go to court to testify against the accused, because of their own selfish gains.
He expressed gratitude to the CWFL members in the counties for their cooperation with the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other state security for providing maximum security to lives and properties in the country.
