Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-21 00:59:00
Prison congestion is a critical issue that has garnered the attention of Liberia’s new Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh. In response to the overcrowded prisons in the country, Minister Tweh has outlined plans to address this pressing problem.
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with courts and public defenders, is actively developing strategies to alleviate the strain on prison facilities across Liberia. Minister Tweh emphasized the importance of tackling the situation of pretrial detainees as part of the effort to ease prison congestion. However, he also highlighted the need to carefully evaluate each case on an individual basis, especially for serious offenses such as rape and murder.
“We cannot simply release individuals due to prison overcrowding,” Minister Tweh stressed. “Each case must be thoroughly vetted, taking the necessary time to understand the complexities before determining the appropriate course of action.” Addressing the historical nature of the issue of pretrial detainees, Minister Tweh underscored its heightened significance amid the current overcrowding crisis in Liberian prisons.
In addition to addressing prison congestion, Minister Tweh has also engaged with protesters in response to recent demonstrations. A team from the National Bureau of Concession has met with protesters and offered condolences to bereaved families on behalf of the government. Through peaceful engagement, calm has been restored, protests have ceased, and company operations have resumed smoothly.
Looking ahead, Minister Tweh expressed hope for continued peace in Liberia and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing concerns raised during the engagement with protesters. An investigation involving the National Bureau of Concession and security agencies will be conducted into the grievances raised by the protesters, with findings to be presented to the President for further action.
Recognizing the challenges ahead, Minister Tweh acknowledged that finding solutions to longstanding issues requires patience and diligence. “The task of finding solutions is often more challenging than identifying the problem itself,” he remarked, “but we are committed to finding viable solutions.”
In conclusion, Minister Natu Oswald Tweh’s proactive approach to addressing prison congestion and engaging with protesters reflects a dedicated effort to uphold justice and promote peace in Liberia. Through collaborative efforts and careful consideration of individual cases, Minister Tweh aims to alleviate the strain on prison facilities and address longstanding issues that have plagued the country.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
