According to the Liberia News Agency, the ministry took the decision following series of consultations amongst judicial authorities, and also taking into consideration the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in the country.

Speaking during the release of the detainees Wednesday, the Solicitor General of Liberia, Cllr. Betty Lamin-Blamo, said the Justice Ministry was concerned about overcrowding at the prison, especially as the nation battles the deadly Ebola disease.

Lamin-Blamo said during a meeting with Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, it was agreed that convicts with non-violent records, who have been in detention without trial, be released in keeping with law.

Stipendiary Magistrates from various magisterial courts within and outside Monrovia submitted names of pre-trial detainees that were qualified for release.

Some of the detainees’ offenses range from misapplication of entrusted property and criminal misconduct to disorderly conduct and theft of property.

Other offenders whose crimes are complex were sent to the probation division of the Justice Ministry for checkup as provided by law.

Lamin-Blamo urged the detainees to view their release as an opportunity to reunite with people in their communities and advised them to always demonstrate good behavior.

She clarified that those released did not include first degree felons such as armed robbers, murderers and rapists. 

By Comfort Johnson (Intern)

LINA MJ/JGT/TSS/PTK