SANNIQUELLIE, April 3 (LINA) -Twenty detainees at the Sanniquellie Central Prison in Nimba County, including three juveniles, have been released from further detention by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County.

The release of the accused, charged with alleged rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, child molestation, menacing, theft of property, and trespassing, is predicated upon a motion filed by the Public Defender, Robertson P. Mehn, at the court on April 1, 2014.

Addressing journalists in Sanniquellie on Wednesday, April 2, following the release of the detainees, Attorney Mehn observed that the detainees’ rights were grossly violated under Chapter 18 section18.2 of the Liberian Constitution.

"The court must dismiss a claim against an individual who is not indicted after at most two terms of court," Attorney Mehn said, adding, "some of the detainees served jail time ranging from two to seven terms of court."

On March 24, the chairman of the Nimba County Legislative Caucus, Senator Thomas Grupee, requested the 8th Judicial Circuit Court to release innocent Liberians placed behind bars at the Sanniquellie Central Prison.

Speaking at the induction of the newly-appointed Nimba County Superintendent, Fong Zuagele, Senator Grupee observed that many of the prisoners were in jail based on "prejudice and claims that are without substantial magnitude."

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