Liberia: Gbassay Rejects Saudi Rice Trial Guilty Verdict

• Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah, a former NDMA official, rejected a guilty verdict in the Liberia Saudi Rice trial, declaring her innocence.
• She alleged persistent pressure from prosecutors to serve as a state witness, which she refused based on her moral and religious convictions.
• The case involves the alleged misappropriation of 29,412 bags of Saudi-donated rice, valued at approximately US$500,000, intended for vulnerable Liberians.
• The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) welcomed the verdicts, stating eight of thirteen defendants were found guilty, including two former ministers.
• Ms. Gbassay Bowah called for national healing and warned against political persecution, advocating for impartial justice and unity in Liberia.

My conscience is not for sale.

Following a recent decision by a jury at Criminal Court C, Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah, a former official with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Liberia, has publicly rejected the guilty verdict rendered against her in the high-profile Saudi Rice corruption case. Through a statement posted on Facebook, Ms. Gbassay Bowah vehemently asserted her innocence, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received from family, friends, colleagues, and fellow clergy since the verdict was announced last Friday. She conveyed that this widespread encouragement has significantly bolstered her resolve amidst circumstances she believes were designed to undermine her.

Ms. Gbassay Bowah further reassured her supporters of her unwavering innocence as the legal proceedings continue, expressing confidence that the ultimate truth will come to light. A central point of her public declaration was an allegation of undue pressure exerted upon her to cooperate with the prosecution. She contended that if any wrongdoing could be attributed to her, it was her diligent execution of lawful duties in strict accordance with her official terms of reference and responsibilities. She also suggested that another "crime" might be her refusal to succumb to what she described as persistent attempts by her accusers and prosecutors to compel her to serve as a state witness in the Liberia corruption case.

The verdict against Ms. Gbassay Bowah forms part of a broader legal action stemming from the alleged misappropriation of a substantial humanitarian aid shipment. The case, widely known as the Liberia Saudi Rice trial, centers on 29,412 bags of rice, which were valued at approximately US$500,000. This vital donation was provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023, specifically designated for distribution among disaster victims and other vulnerable populations within Liberia.

The investigation into this alleged misuse of public resources was spearheaded by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT). In a statement issued on October 10, AREPT welcomed the jury's findings, characterizing the verdicts as a crucial achievement in the Liberian government's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and safeguard national assets. According to AREPT, the jury found eight of the thirteen defendants guilty, a group that notably included former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and former Internal Affairs Minister Varney A. Sirleaf. Additionally, three defendants were acquitted, while the jury delivered inconclusive verdicts for two others involved in the Criminal Court C Liberia Saudi Rice proceedings.

In her public statement, Ms. Gbassay Bowah elaborated on her refusal to testify as a state witness, grounding her decision in deeply held moral and religious convictions. An ordained Baptist Reverend, she declared that her conscience was not for sale and that she could never conspire to provide false testimony against anyone or speak on matters about which she lacked personal knowledge. She emphasized that no temporary advantage could justify inviting the spiritual curse associated with bearing false witness against innocent individuals.

Ms. Gbassay Bowah firmly stated her unwillingness to bring such a burden upon herself, her children, or future generations, regardless of any pressure, intimidation, or manipulative schemes. While her Facebook post did not offer independent evidence to substantiate her claims of prosecutorial pressure, and these allegations have not been independently verified, her position regarding her integrity and refusal to compromise her beliefs remains unequivocal. Her strong stance highlights a significant point of contention following the National Disaster Management Agency Liberia verdict.

Beyond her personal defense, Ms. Gbassay Bowah's statement extended to a broader commentary on the state of Liberia, framing her ordeal as a "season of trial and tribulation." She appealed to her fellow clergy, urging them to continue praying for the nation, drawing a distinction between preaching about injustice and experiencing it firsthand. She issued a stark warning that Liberia stands at a critical juncture, risking a perilous descent into a cycle of bitterness, vengeance, political persecution, and score-settling disguised as justice.

Ms. Gbassay Bowah advocated for national healing, redemption, and a renewed commitment to the principles of the rule of law, fairness, and unity across Liberia. She implored citizens to resist the temptation to weaponize political differences, instead encouraging collective efforts toward a future where justice is administered impartially, truth is honored, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Her powerful message underscores the broader societal implications of high-profile corruption cases and the need for ethical governance in the nation.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the ongoing developments in high-profile Liberian corruption cases, particularly the post-verdict challenges and allegations of prosecutorial pressure to compel testimony. This case highlights potential avenues for appeal and defense strategies focusing on procedural integrity, which could be relevant for advising clients facing similar charges or considering cooperation agreements.

Source: Original reporting via FrontPageAfrica