By Staff Writer
The released of Thomas Etheridge, who is arrested for allegedly participating in the commission of crimes that threaten the National Security of Liberia, took a dramatic twist on yesterday.
Etheridge was order released by Criminal Court ‘B’ after his legal team headed by Cllr Jonathan Massaquoi filed a writ of Habeas Corpus.
Unfortunately, after his released, Etheridge was later arrested by another court, the Monrovia City Court, based on a request from the government.
According to eyewitnesses, immediately after hearing about his arrest, Etheridge rejected to receive the writ of arrest, and subsequently thrown himself on the floor, leaving unconscious.
When it was noticed that Etheridge was not responding, armed officers of the police, who had escorted him to the court, immediately rushed him to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for further medication.
Etheridge, Cllr. Massaquoi claim was arrested on Wednesday, December 18, 2024,between the hours of 6:10am- 7:00am, and has been in custody same then.
Intresentingly, following Etheridge’s released by Criminal Court ‘B’ , the sheriff of the Monrovia City Court served him (Etheridge) with a writ of arrest. According to eyewitnesses, while serving Etheridge the writ, it was how he felt off and was immediately rush to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for further medication, ɓy armed police officers. Up to press time Etheridge’s health status is unknown.
The government in response described Cllr. Massaquoi’s claim of Etheridge’s arrest in December 2024, as “false and misleading.”
According to them, Etheridge was arrested in the later part of last week in January 2025, particular or specifically Friday, January 10, 2025. On the accusation of compelling Etheridge to testify against himself, in the absence of his lawyers, the state lawyers argued that “It is malicious for the Petitioner to claim that he has been compelled to make false statement against himself.”
They further argued that the Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency are integrity Institutions and as such apply professionalism on their respective duties.
They argue that given due regard to the National Security concern that the said Thomas Etheridge is involved with. it is unlawyerly for Petitioner Counsels to claim that the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency (have circumvented the law and constitution and subject the alleged suspects to torture and inhumane treatment).
