Published: September 22, 2025
MONROVIA — Independent medical examinations conducted under the UN-mandated Istanbul Protocol have documented physical and psychological injuries consistent with torture defendants standing trial for the Capitol Building arson case, raising fresh questions about the treatment of detainees in state custody.
The reports, issued Sept. 16 by Dr. Philip Zochonis Ireland of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare Liberia, detail findings of scarring, joint dislocations, psychological trauma, and other injuries in men who allege they were beaten, electrocuted, and subjected to degrading treatment while in the custody of the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency.
Findings Across Multiple Defendants
The patients, identified as Thomas Etheridge, Stephen M. Broh, Jerry Pokah, John Nyanti, and Eric Susay, described similar accounts of brutal interrogations that left lasting physical scars and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Etheridge, 40, reported severe beatings, a shoulder dislocation, and blurred vision. Dr. Ireland noted an irregular heartbeat and anxiety symptoms, concluding his injuries were “highly consistent with the allegation of torture.”
Broh, 54, alleged falanga, taser electrocution, and vision loss in his left eye. He presented with heightened anxiety and PTSD symptoms, with medical opinion supporting his torture claims.
Pokah, 40, exhibited wrist and finger scars indicative of handcuff trauma, a cut injury to his arm, and chronic anxiety. These findings were also assessed as “highly consistent” with torture.
Nyanti, 30, alleged suspension from a beam, beatings, and ear trauma. He displayed healed abrasions, severe agitation, and signs of psychological distress. His case was again deemed “highly consistent” with torture.
Susay, 40, reported beatings with handcuffs and guns, and presented with left shoulder disfigurement confirmed by X-ray as a chronic dislocation. The report found this “highly consistent” with blunt trauma from torture.
All the defendants denied sexual assault, though they described humiliation, stripping, and beatings in detention.
Court-Ordered Examinations
The medical reviews were ordered by Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie after defense lawyers argued that government facilities such as John F. Kennedy Medical Center could not be trusted to conduct independent assessments.
Judge Willie selected AMI, an international healthcare provider with offices in Monrovia, despite defense objections that the clinic maintains ties to the Ministry of Justice. He insisted the case could not proceed without medical findings because torture allegations were “factual issues” requiring professional assessment.
The Ministry of Justice was ordered to cover examination costs, and defense lawyers who previously advised clients to boycott the JFK exam were fined for contempt.
Allegations of State Abuse
The defendants, who include former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and others, face charges of arson, attempted murder, and conspiracy for allegedly setting fire to the Capitol Building. But the torture allegations, if proven, could undermine prosecution evidence and strengthen defense arguments that confessions or statements were obtained under duress.
Human rights lawyers note that Liberia is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, which obligates the state to investigate credible allegations of ill-treatment.
Recommendations for Care
Dr. Ireland urged urgent psychological support for all the defendants, specialist reviews for vision loss and orthopedic injuries, and preservation of medical notes and photographs for judicial and human rights proceedings.
The court is expected to hear arguments this week on whether the findings affect the admissibility of evidence, with Judge Willie scheduled to rule Sept. 24 on related defense motions.
Discussion about this post