President Sirleaf is in New York this week where on Tuesday she addressed the UN General Assembly. In her speech she argued that significant progress is being made in Liberia but that more time is needed for the full implementation of the 'Lift Liberia' development initiative that is currently underway.
I wonder what the assembled ranks of world leaders would make of the fact that, in the same week, she granted clemency to fourteen people accused of murder using the practice of Sassywood (see below) as well as two people found guilty of beating a woman to death for allegedly practising witchcraft. This hardly seems to support the notion that Liberia's justice system is on the road to recovery.
Madam President, I beg you, please reconsider this decision!
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2 comments:
Which is more problematic, that she chose to pardon these people or that she has the power to do so?
Do you think it's a political move or perhaps it's just too expensive to keep people in prison?!
Interesting question. My colleagues have noted that the newly appointed Liberian ambassador to the UN is from the same county as 14 of those who were granted clemency. Perhaps he had a quiet word with Ms. Sirleaf on their flght over to New York last week?
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