Published: January 15, 2025
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia – The main suspect in the Capitol Building arson attack, Thomas Etheridge, was dramatically released by Criminal Court “B” to seek medical treatment after alleging torture by state security forces.
Etheridge’s release followed a writ of habeas corpus filed by his legal team, led by Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi. A habeas corpus writ compels authorities to bring a detainee before the court to determine whether their detention is lawful.
Shortly after his release for medical care, state lawyers issued a writ of arrest against Etheridge when he reportedly fainted. Despite the complications, he was eventually taken to the AMI Medical Center near Stella Maris Polytechnic for treatment.
In the petition filed by Etheridge’s lawyers, it was alleged that he was arrested by Emergency Response Unit (ERU) officers of the Liberia National Police on December 18, 2024, between 6:10 AM and 7:00 AM, near the Capitol Building. He claimed that he was detained at police headquarters, questioned, and coerced into making statements about the alleged arson.
The petition accused the authorities of violating Etheridge’s constitutional rights by detaining him beyond the 48-hour legal limit for criminal investigations. His lawyers argued that he was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment by the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency (NSA) until January 10, 2025, to force false and self-incriminating statements.
The petition further alleged that Etheridge was later handed over to individuals believed to be NSA operatives, which his legal team described as a further infringement of his fundamental rights.
State lawyers, however, pushed back against the allegations, denying claims of torture and coercion. They described Etheridge as not a law-abiding citizen, asserting that he is under investigation for activities threatening Liberia’s national security.
The state also disputed the timeline provided by Etheridge’s legal team, arguing that he was arrested on January 10, 2025, not December 18, 2024, as claimed in the petition. They further defended the professionalism of the Liberia National Police, NSA, and Ministry of Justice, dismissing the petitioner’s claims as unfounded and malicious.
In its ruling, the court granted the habeas corpus request, allowing Etheridge to seek medical treatment. However, prosecutors insisted that Etheridge remain under the court’s authority during his treatment, partially disagreeing with the judge’s decision.
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