National Port Authority (NPA) former Managing Director, Matilda Parker, has been set free from all criminal charges levied against her by the Government of Liberia.
Defendant Parker, along with Christina K. Paelay, Comptroller of the National Port Authority (NPA) and a man identified as Deneah H. Flomo were released by Criminal Court “C” on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
The defendants were set free after the Government of Liberia filed a motion to drop all charges against them on November 10, 2022.
The motion contained three counts, with a prayer that same be granted and the case be dismissed.
The motion was signed by Cllr. Wesseh A. Wesseh, Assistant Minister of Justice for Litigation.
Section 18. 1 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia states, “The Prosecuting Attorney may, by leave of court, file a dismissal of an indictment or complaint or of a count therein as to either all or some of the defendants. The prosecution shall thereupon terminate to the extent indicated in the dismissal.”
The statute quoted above is clear to the extent that it is the prerogative of the court to decide whether or not the case should be dismissed with or without prejudice and not the prosecuting attorney.
“Wherefore, and in view of the foregoing and the law controlling, it is the final judgment of the Criminal Court ‘C’ that movant’s motion is hereby granted” the ruling noted.
The indictment was then quashed and the case dismissed with prejudice against the state.
The court also acquitted, discharged and set free the defendants from further answering to the charges levied against them, and their criminal appearance bond was ordered return to them.
The Clerk of Court was ordered to issue clearances in favor of the defendants without any further delay to inform the public that their Constitutional rights are restored with all rights and privileges.