Monrovia – The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Liberia, Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh, has urged 38 inmates granted Executive Clemency by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to cherish their second chance and use it wisely as they rejoin society to rebuild their lives.
On December 24, 2024, just a day before Christmas, President Boakai exercised his constitutional authority under Chapter 6, Article 59 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution to pardon 37 Liberians and one Chinese national. The move was a demonstration of the Unity Party administration’s commitment to fairness, compassion, and rehabilitation.
Chapter 6, Article 59 states: “The President may remit any public forfeitures and penalties, suspend any fines and sentences, grant reprieves and pardons, and restore civil rights after conviction for all public offenses, except impeachment.”
Representing the President, Minister Tweh visited the Monrovia Central Prison alongside senior and junior government officials, including Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, Atty. Cornelia Kruah, to officially release the pardoned individuals.
“Today, we witness an act of profound humanity and grace as His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., grants Executive Clemency to 38 individuals confined within our prisons,” Minister Tweh said during the ceremony.
Addressing the inmates, the Attorney-General urged them to embrace this opportunity for a fresh start, reminding them of the consequences of reoffending. “This act of clemency is not just an end but a new beginning—a recognition that those who stumble can rise again, and with the right support, can become agents of change in our society,” he noted.
He emphasized that the clemency reflects the essence of the Liberian Constitution and embodies the nation’s spirit of forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. “In a world often lacking compassion, President Boakai’s actions remind us of the transformative power of mercy,” Tweh added.
The Justice Minister highlighted that the pardoned individuals come from diverse backgrounds but share a common story: they have made mistakes, faced the consequences, and now have the chance to rebuild their lives.
Minister Tweh also used the occasion to reflect on the dual purpose of Liberia’s judicial system, which upholds justice while offering avenues for rehabilitation. He urged citizens to recognize the government’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and celebrate the strides in the nation’s justice system.
“This act of clemency does not diminish the severity of their actions; rather, it acknowledges their humanity and their potential for change,” he stated.
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