Published: January 22, 2025
MONROVIA – Orange Liberia has been found guilty of causing business damages and ordered to pay over L$3 million in fines and compensation, following a unanimous verdict by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court in Monrovia.
The court imposed a fine of L$3 million as general damages and an additional L$685,260 and US$2,350 as specific damages. The jury’s decision came after a thorough review of evidence presented during the trial, holding the GSM service provider accountable for the charges against it.
Plaintiff Alpha Saliou Barry, proprietor of the Boussoura Foreign Exchange Bureau, testified that his business was severely impacted when Orange Liberia blocked his SIM card for 47 days. Barry explained that the issue began on July 17, 2023, when he encountered network problems while trying to serve customers. Despite reaching out to Orange Liberia’s head office in Oldest Congo Town, the problem persisted, leaving him unable to conduct transactions.
Barry revealed that the disruption cost him significant revenue, stating, “I used to make L$16,000 every week. Daily, I could make L$5,000 at the least.” He added that his wholesale and retail sale of Orange scratch cards generated US$25 daily, and the prolonged blockage caused emotional and financial distress.
The plaintiff further detailed the personal toll, noting that the closure of his business affected employees who relied on their salaries. He also shared that he was unable to hold the naming ceremony for his newborn child due to financial constraints.
In response to the court’s verdict, Orange Liberia filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that the jury did not adhere to the judge’s instructions. The company’s lawyers contended that the jurors were directed to base their decision on the laws and evidence presented during the trial but failed to do so.
“A reasonable mind would conclude that the jurors failed to carry out the judge’s instruction or incorrectly carried out the judge’s instruction, possibly due to undue influence,” Orange Liberia’s legal team argued, citing Chapter 25, Section 25.2 of the Civil Procedure Law of Liberia.
Judge Scheaplor R. Dunbar is expected to rule on the motion for a new trial after hearing arguments from both parties.
Discussion about this post