By Staff Writer
The First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has denied a motion filed by the Clar Hope Foundation seeking to quash a subpoena issued by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPTF).
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie rejected the Foundation’s attempt to block the Task Force from obtaining documents related to its operations, finances, and project activities.
Judge Willie ruled that the subpoena issued by AREPTF falls squarely within the Task Force’s legal mandate to investigate and recover public assets allegedly misappropriated. He stressed that no institution is exempt from lawful scrutiny and that compliance with investigative processes is required under Liberian law.
The court ordered the Clar Hope Foundation to produce all documents, records, and materials requested by AREPTF without delay. Judge Willie further warned that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including possible contempt proceedings.
The Foundation had argued that the subpoena was overly broad and infringed on its operational independence. However, the court held that AREPTF—established by the Government of Liberia to pursue asset recovery—has the authority to demand relevant documentation in the course of its investigations.
The matter remains active as AREPTF intensifies its probe into issues surrounding the Foundation’s activities and financing.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the Clar Hope Foundation have appealed to the Supreme Court of Liberia, seeking a reversal of Judge Willie’s decision.
