UN representative warns Liberians against mob justice after outbreak of violence

The chief United Nations representative in Liberia today cautioned citizens there against taking part in vigilante justice, even as they put up with rising crime and a judicial system that remains deeply flawed and corrupt.

“In our fight against crime, we must always remember that we cannot, and must not take the law into our own hands,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Liberia Alan Doss.

“Mob justice is wrong! It is a violation of the law,” he added, just days after two military police officers with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) were injured trying to contain a mob attack amid violence following the murder of a local man. “We must allow justice to take its course even though the wheels of justice sometimes turn slowly.”

Mr. Doss’ comments also came a day after the Mission’s most recent report on human rights noted that “the judicial system continued to fail to uphold constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards binding on Liberia.”

Corruption in the judicial system is an “extremely serious problem… [that] remains an enormous challenge to the rule of law and thus to long-term peace and stability,” the report said.

It noted that there is “systemic abuse by magistrates” who operate without effective disciplinary measures, allowing them to continue working even after they have “been found guilty of misconduct amounting to corruption.”

There are huge case backlogs and prolonged pre-trial detentions compounded by inefficient investigations, prosecution and hearings, the report added, noting that suspects are frequently released without ever facing trial.

Still, Mr. Doss argued for patience. “UNMIL and other partners are working closely with the Government and the judiciary to help reinforce the rule of law and strengthen the administration of justice in Liberia,” he said, adding that he would work for bail regulations to be tightened.

More than 90 per cent of those incarcerated are awaiting trial and detention standards are well below minimum standards – particularly medical care, which is generally absent. Pre-trial detainees are not separated from convicts and escapes and illegal releases from some facilities was “a particular problem” during the May-July period covered in the report.

Besides allegations of excessive force, there is a shortage of police officers in some areas which encourages vigilante action, the report noted, adding that five circuit courts are still not in operational while “others tried only a fraction of the number of cases listed for trial.”

“UNMIL and the UN Police are fully committed to assisting the Liberian National Police become a modern and effective police force that can ensure public order and safety,” added Mr. Doss, noting that the Netherlands has just pledged 2 million euros to help with this effort.

The shortage of police in rural areas, where there is also no independent monitoring, leaves isolated communities “particularly vulnerable risk of harmful traditional practices, especially trial by ordeal” which lead to serious injuries and deaths, the report noted.

A report last month from Secretary-General Kofi Annan said judicial reform was proceeding “albeit at a slow pace” but noted that more consultants are being hired and that a law reform commission is being established, although its success will depend on adequate international funding.