Published: September 5, 2025
MONROVIA — Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie on Thursday denied a defense motion to broadcast live proceedings in the ongoing arson trial, ruling that such coverage is barred under Liberia’s general rules of court.
Defense lawyers, led by Cllr. Arthur Johnson, had asked the court to permit live television coverage of the case, citing public interest and transparency. Johnson argued that televising the trial would allow citizens to follow proceedings in real time and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.
Defense Pushes Transparency
Johnson told the court that the trial carries strong public sentiment and should therefore be open to wider scrutiny.
“Since we are in the 21st century, where technology is leading everywhere, it is necessary to televise this case given its public nature,” Johnson argued. “There’s nothing to hide, and this will not prejudice the case against any party.”
He also invoked the Table Mountain Declaration and the Freedom of Information Act, which encourage openness and access to information, and accused the Supreme Court of previously allowing journalists to stream politically sensitive proceedings involving lawmakers. However, he was unable to provide a formal record to support that claim.
“This request is not made in bad faith but for the benefit of the public,” Johnson said, urging the court to exercise discretion.
Prosecution Cites Rule 11
State prosecutors, led by Cllr. Richard Scott Jr., opposed the motion, calling it both unlawful and a deliberate attempt to mislead.
Scott pointed to Rule 11 of the General Rules of Court, adopted in 1999 under then–Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, which explicitly prohibits photographing, recording, or broadcasting court proceedings. The rule states that such actions could lead to grandstanding by lawyers, distraction of witnesses, degradation of the court, and misconceptions among the public.
“The defense motion is made in bad faith,” Scott said. “They are aware of Rule 11, but they still want to test the court intentionally.”
He added that if lawyers wished to amend the rule, they should petition the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) or the National Legislature, not attempt to circumvent the law through a courtroom motion.
Scott accused the defense of seeking to “misinform the court and the public,” stressing that judges are bound by the Constitution, statutory law and court rules, not by appeals to public sentiment.
Warning Against Sub Judice
Scott also warned that the defense was veering into sub judice territory — attempting to litigate the case in the press rather than in court. He asked Judge Willie to fine the defense team for violating court rules and to caution them against making prejudicial public statements.
“The press is not barred from attending proceedings or accessing records,” Scott noted, “but the defense must refrain from trying this case outside the courtroom.”
Judge Rules Against Defense
In his ruling, Judge Willie denied the defense request, reaffirming that Rule 11 prohibits live broadcasts of trials. He emphasized that courts must be guided by established law and could not “make their own law” as the defense had suggested.
The judge referred the defense back to the rulebook and emphasized that any reforms allowing televised trials must come through legislative or bar association channels, not judicial discretion.
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