Published: November 4, 2026
MONROVIA — The United Methodist Church (UMC) has secured the release of 63 pretrial detainees from Monrovia Central Prison through its Legal Aid Clinic Program, as part of ongoing efforts to address prison overcrowding and ensure access to justice for individuals held without trial.
The releases, facilitated through six magistrate courts in October 2026, were carried out under the Magistrate Sitting Program at the Temple of Justice, with the UMC Legal Aid Clinic providing legal defense services to detainees unable to secure representation.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) disclosed that the initiative was supported by the General Board of Global Ministries and designed to provide legal assistance to indigent citizens and foreign residents, particularly those awaiting trial.
The church said the intervention forms part of broader efforts to reduce overcrowding at Monrovia Central Prison while protecting the legal rights of vulnerable individuals and ensuring that accused persons have opportunities to appear before the courts.
“The release of these 63 pretrial detainees demonstrates the importance of access to justice, legal representation, and timely judicial proceedings,” said Rev. Cllr. J. Abel Knight, associate director for legal affairs of the Department of Human Rights of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
“Every individual deserves a fair opportunity to have their case heard in accordance with the law,” Knight emphasized.
According to the statement, the 63 detainees were released through six magistrate courts, with the Paynesville City Magistrate Court accounting for the highest number at 19, followed by the Bushrod Island Magistrate Court with 16 and the Omega Magistrate Court with 12.
The Brewerville City Magistrate Court facilitated the release of six detainees, while the Gardnersville and Monrovia City magistrate courts accounted for five releases each.
The figures represent the total number of detainees released under the initiative during October, according to the church.
Knight maintained that the UMC Legal Aid Clinic remains committed to providing legal assistance to vulnerable individuals, particularly those whose financial circumstances make it difficult to obtain legal representation.
“Through the Legal Aid Clinic Program, The United Methodist Church continues to support efforts that uphold human dignity, protect the rights of vulnerable persons, and address the challenge of overcrowding at Monrovia Central Prison,” he stated.
The church explained that the Magistrate Sitting Program was established primarily to help decongest Monrovia Central Prison by facilitating judicial proceedings for individuals held in pretrial detention.
It noted that the program provides an avenue for legal aid organizations to work with judicial authorities in addressing cases involving individuals who remain in detention while awaiting the determination of criminal proceedings.
According to the release, access to legal representation and timely court proceedings remains central to protecting the rights of accused persons and ensuring compliance with due process.
The UMC said its Legal Aid Clinic, with continued support from the General Board of Global Ministries, provides legal assistance to indigent Liberians and foreign residents who might otherwise encounter difficulties securing legal representation.
The church also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the judiciary and legal aid providers to address prolonged pretrial detention and overcrowding at correctional facilities.
The Liberia Annual Conference reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, accountability, due process and respect for human dignity through its human rights and legal aid initiatives.
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