The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) has condemned the ruling of Criminal Court “C” Judge, Cllr. Joe S. Barkon, in the Marie Nellon Vs Johnny Momoh case for allegedly ignoring the fundamental principles of justice dispensation by denying a Liberian lady justice. The CSNL, a network of civil society organizations, said it strongly believes that Judge Barkon’s ruling is unjust, harmful to public interest and violates human rights.
In a release issued over the weekend, the CSNL said, “Having followed the Marie Nellon Vs Johnny Momoh Case for years, the Civil Society Network of Liberia understands how Cllr. Johnny Momoh physically and psychologically tormented Madam Nellon by throwing her things out of the house they built together, leading her to lose her wearing and other assorted materials, including jewelries, at the value of US$500,000.00 and the cash of US$75,000.00. The Liberian Judiciary is mandated to ensure access to justice, promote peace and protect human rights. The decisions of judges are impartial and fair decisions, with focus on protection of the rights of individuals. The basis for Joe Barkon’s dismissal of Madam Nellon’s case of the crimes of theft of property and burglary is inconsistent with the Liberian Constitution and universal laws on human rights.”
The Civil Society Network of Liberia said it is highly disappointed that Judge Barkon could rely on Chapter 3, Section 3.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia, which is not applicable to the case, to deny Nellon justice in a case with overwhelming evidence. “Though the averments of the Writ of Arrest of March 27, 2024 and the indictment drawn out of said Writ of March 27, 2024 contain the same and identical averments of the Writ of April 8,2023, the charges of the Writ March 27, 2024 and the indictment are different from the charges of April 8, 2023. In fact, the Liberian Constitution provides for the right of every citizen to be protected and served justice,” the civil society group argued.
According to the CSNL release, “As a pro-democracy institution, which plays a vital role in advocating for the rights of citizens and holding government accountable, the Civil Society Network of Liberia is baffled that Judge Barkon could dismiss Madam Nellon’s case on procedural grounds, when the charges are different from what were contained in the April 8, 2023 Writ that was Nolle Prosequi and withdrawn with prejudice. Judge Barkon’s ruling was a miscarriage of Justice, lack of protection for human rights, and love for humanity.”
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Network of Liberia has welcomed the appeal filed by Nellon to the Supreme Court. “We will continue to defend and support her rights to justice, like any Liberian citizen. No one is above the law, and no one should be protected from facing justice on the basis of his association with the law profession. Mr. Johnny Momoh should be made to bear the full weight of the law for disgracing, humiliating and tormenting Madam Marie Nellon,” the group noted.
