Monrovia, Liberia – In a statement released today, Cllr. Aloysius Toe, the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law and Advocacy Center (PILAC), expressed his support and commendation for President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as the Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
Cllr. Toe praised Cllr. Massaquoi’s qualifications, citing his exemplary track record in defending the rights of indigent clients and political activists who faced prosecution and persecution in the past. He emphasized that Cllr. Massaquoi’s legal expertise, moral rectitude, and commitment to human rights make him the ideal candidate for the position of Executive Director.
Highlighting their past collaborations, Cllr. Toe mentioned that both he and Cllr. Massaquoi provided legal representation for political commentator Henry Costa during his persecution by the CDC government under a baseless defamation suit. They also served as legal counsels in the case against former Chief Justice Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott. Cllr. Toe expressed his confidence in Cllr. Massaquoi’s ability to bring honor and success to his new role.
Addressing the objections raised by some members of the human rights community regarding Cllr. Massaquoi’s appointment, Cllr. Toe voiced his disagreement and rejection of their arguments. He found it ironic that those who seek to protect human rights would blatantly disregard Cllr. Massaquoi’s fundamental rights without due process of law. Citing Article 18 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which guarantees equal opportunity for work and employment to all citizens, Cllr. Toe argued that the objections against Cllr. Massaquoi’s appointment without any proof of wrongdoing or ethical breach are unjust and misguided.
Furthermore, Cllr. Toe criticized the objection to Cllr. Massaquoi’s nomination based solely on his legal representation of individuals alleged to be involved in the Liberian civil crises. He reminded his former colleagues in the human rights community that Article 21 (i) of the Liberian Constitution protects lawyers from being prevented or punished for providing legal services, regardless of the charges against their clients. He questioned how human rights advocates could advocate for the violation of the constitution they are obligated to uphold.
Cllr. Toe called on human rights activists to refrain from objecting to the appointment of lawyers in government simply because they have provided legal representation for accused individuals, as long as they have not participated in any criminal activity or ethical breach. He highlighted the example of Cllr. Dempster Browne, the current Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, who provided legal representation for General Charles Julu during a Treason Trial, despite the serious allegations against him. Cllr. Browne’s exemplary work and dedication in the human rights field demonstrate that legal representation should not be a barrier to holding positions of authority.
As a prominent figure in the field of human rights, with extensive experience and international recognition, Cllr. Toe asserted his authority to speak on this matter. He highlighted his role as one of the founders of the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), his involvement in the passage of the TRC Act, and the implementation of its findings. He also mentioned his previous imprisonment on bogus Treason charges and his recognition as a Prisoner-of-Conscience by Amnesty International.
Cllr. Aloysius Toe concluded his statement by reaffirming his support for Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi’s appointment as the Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
