Former Liberian official seeks new trial over rape and kidnapping
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Front Page Africa
Monrovia’s Criminal Court E is due to hear on 2 November Peter Bon Jallah’s request for a new trial. The former Liberian National Security Agency official was convicted of statutory rape and kidnapping of a 16-year-old boy. The hearing could lead to a final sentence or a retrial, Front Page Africa reported.
Peter Bon Jallah, a former official of Liberia’s National Security Agency, has requested a new trial after being found guilty of statutory rape and kidnapping. Criminal Court E in Monrovia will hear his motion on Monday 2 November at 10am, according to Front Page Africa, citing judicial sources.
The motion was filed on 27 October, four days after the verdict delivered by Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh, who heard the case without a jury. The defence argues that some findings are inconsistent with the evidence and that errors of law and procedure warrant a new trial.
The judge convicted Jallah of statutory rape and kidnapping, but acquitted him of gang rape. The three charges concerned a 16-year-old boy who had reportedly performed paid domestic work at Jallah’s home in Monrovia. The ruling followed consideration of testimony, documents, medical and forensic evidence, as well as arguments from the prosecution and defence.
The hearing on the motion for a new trial will determine whether proceedings continue to a sentencing hearing or the case returns to court. Jallah was found guilty on 23 October in this rape and kidnapping case.
