Defense seeks independent medical exams for defendants in Capitol arson case

Published: September 9, 2025

MONROVIA — Defense lawyers in the Capitol Building arson case have filed a motion seeking independent medical examinations for five defendants who claim they were tortured during interrogations by state security agents.

The motion, filed Monday at Criminal Court ‘A’, comes just a day before the government is expected to submit a medical report to the court. The defense argued that the defendants Thomas Isaac Etheridge, John Nyanti, Stephen Broh, Christian Kofa, and Eric Susay suffered torture and sodomy while in the custody of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Liberia National Police (LNP).

According to the filing, the defendants have endured severe pain while urinating, reddish urine, blurred vision, and lasting injuries allegedly caused by beatings, exposure to bright lights, and other forms of mistreatment. The defense argued that these conditions are consistent with torture and gross violations of their constitutional rights.

The motion further stated that the defendants fear government-run facilities, particularly John F. Kennedy Medical Center, would not conduct an impartial examination because of its memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Justice to treat pretrial detainees. Defense lawyers argued that such an arrangement creates a conflict of interest.

The defendants are charged with including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, attempted murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, reckless endangerment, and theft of property. They stand accused of setting fire to the Capitol Building, an act prosecutors say endangered lives and threatened national security.

In its five-count motion, the defense asked Judge Roosevelt Willie to order the immediate transfer of the defendants to a team of independent medical practitioners for proper examination and treatment. The lawyers warned that without urgent care, the defendants’ conditions could worsen, potentially becoming life-threatening.

“The defendants are unfit for further pretrial detention because of the medical reasons your Honor and this Honorable Court will see from the bruises and scars on their person,” the motion stated.

The court is expected to hear arguments on the motion as proceedings continue this week.