Former Ganta City Mayor Amos N.G. Suah has been released from Sanniquellie Central Prison on Monday, October 5, after serving a 30-day sentence and paying a US$100 fine. Suah was sentenced by the Gompa Magisterial Court for allegedly inciting the public against the court. The court heard the case on September 24 and 29, with Suah's lawyer entering a guilty plea on his behalf. The sentence included a public retraction of his statements against the court on three radio stations.
Suah's family was not informed about his release and is demanding answers from authorities. His children, Melvin Nya Suah, Amos P.F. Suah, and Mercy Suah, expressed surprise and concern, stating they expected Suah to serve the full 30-day sentence. They plan to travel to Sanniquellie to locate their father and have called on the public to support them. The family also questioned the circumstances surrounding Suah's release, as they were not present when he was freed.
Reporters were unable to confirm whether the US$100 fine has been paid or whether Suah has appeared or will appear on the three radio stations to retract his statements as ordered by the court. Local broadcasts reported that David Door Cooper, described as an expelled University of Liberia student and a former superintendent, announced on community radio that the court would release Suah. However, residents and local sources have questioned Cooper's authority to make that announcement.
Cllr. Lawrence Suah, who represented the Gompa Magisterial Court during the sentencing, told reporters he was not aware of the decision to release Amos Suah and had no further information. Superintendent Charles Mehn has reportedly been suspended following the incident, with authorities alleging he delayed the release by seeking confirmation from his Monrovia office before processing paperwork. Mehn has been summoned to Monrovia to answer questions about the alleged delay.
On Tuesday, October 6, large numbers of residents, including members of the Ganta business community and local motorcyclists, gathered to welcome Amos Suah back to his home in Ganta. The show of support was described by participants as a spontaneous procession. The event suggests that Suah still maintains a level of support and popularity in his community.
Key questions remain unanswered, including whether the US$100 fine has been paid, whether Suah will make the court-ordered radio retractions, why his family was not notified of his release, and who authorized the early release. Neither the court nor prison authorities have issued an official public statement explaining the circumstances surrounding Suah's release.
The incident has raised concerns about the rule of law and the administration of justice in Liberia. The case has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the country's judicial system. As the situation continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the authorities will respond to the family's demands for answers and the concerns of the wider public.
Key points
- Family demands answers after unscheduled release of former Ganta City Mayor Amos Suah
- Authorities have not explained circumstances surrounding Suah's early release
- Incident raises concerns about rule of law and administration of justice in Liberia
