By Rancy S. Teewia
MONROVIA Aug. 9 (LINA) – Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia, has cautioned the public against trial by media, warning that building criminal cases on public accusations rather than evidence undermines the justice system and endangers innocent people.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press conference on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Monrovia, Cllr. Tweh expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals being named and declared “guilty” on radio talk shows, social media platforms, and other public forums, often with little or no supporting evidence.
“The Ministry of Justice does not investigate or arrest people simply because their names are mentioned in public. We do not build criminal cases on rumors, speculation, or political commentary. We build cases on facts, evidence, and the law,” Cllr. Tweh stated.
He warned that if every allegation on the radio resulted in an automatic arrest, “innocent people would have their reputations destroyed without justification, and the justice system itself would lose its credibility.”
Cllr. Tweh outlined the Ministry’s process determining whether information can be independently verified and whether evidence establishes probable cause.
“Where credible evidence exists, we will investigate thoroughly. Where the investigation establishes probable cause, arrests will be made. Where the evidence supports prosecution, charges will be filed. And where the evidence does not support criminal liability, we will not prosecute simply to satisfy public opinion.”
At the same time, Minister Tweh has called for responsible use of free speech, adding that freedom of expression is a constitutional right, but such freedom carries responsibility. Noting that publicly accusing individuals of serious criminal conduct without any factual basis does not assist law enforcement.
“It undermines legitimate investigations, unfairly damages reputations, and may expose those making false allegations to legal consequences,” Cllr. Tweh lamented.
Cllr. Tweh encouraged citizens with credible information to come forward through proper channels and release it to the Ministry of Justice, to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, to the Liberia National Police, or to any member of the Joint Security Task Force.
He assured the public that all information will be assessed professionally, kept confidential where appropriate, and acted upon in accordance with the law.
“For those who do not trust local institutions, you can take your evidence to foreign partners, including the United States or any other partner investigating the matter.”
The Attorney General also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, noting that investigations have already targeted public officials, security personnel, and private citizens where evidence warranted.
“This government has already demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of justice. We will continue to do so without fear or political consideration,” Cllr. Tweh declared.
He said the objective is to build strong cases that will stand scrutiny in courts and result in lawful convictions where guilt is established.
He, therefore, call on all Liberians to allow the investigators do their work, to avoid speculation, and to support the rule of law by sharing facts, instead of rumors, stressing that justice is not served by the loudest accusation, but served by credible evidence, due process, and the faithful application of the law.
Cllr. Tweh further reiterated that if the evidence points to any government official or as some at the LDEA – say, a ‘senior government official’, the government will not hesitate to investigate and, where the evidence is corroborated, to take the necessary action, investigation, arrest, charges filed, and prosecution.