A lawyer representing Defendant Alexander B. Cummings and two officials of the Alternative National Congress has termed as “total gangsterism,” and a violation of the rights of the defendants the delay in the ongoing criminal proceeding by the prosecution.
“This is total gangsterism and we want the world to know that because they have no evidence against Mr. Cummings and officials, they continue to implore delay tactics,” Atty. Lafayette Horatio Gould.
Atty. Lafayette H. Gould told Judicial Reporters Tuesday, May 10, that the abrupt suspension of the trial for fear that the courtyard was overcrowded, was not a substantive reason to delay the proceeding.
On Tuesday, the proceedings linking Alternative National Congress Political Leader Cummings and two others to allege forgery and Criminal Conspiracy could not continue after Monrovia City Court Magistrate Jomah Jallah suspended the trial for administrative reasons.
Former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Unity Party Secretary-General Mohammed Ali were expected to appear in court Tuesday, as state witnesses, to testify against Cummings and others, who have continuously stated that they are falsely being excused.
However, Boakai and Ali were not spotted on the grounds of the Monrovia City Court until Judge Jallah suspended the trial, pending notice of assignment.
Prior to Mo Ali and former vice president Joseph N. Boakai appearance on Tuesday huge number of their gathered at the temple of justice to cheer them.
Liberia’s Solicitor General Syrenius Cephus had created fear for the trial to proceed, despite the Judge’s pronouncement of administrative reason.
Solicitor-General Cephus, following the Judge’s pronouncement noted that the court was unhealthy for the trial to continue because the scene was political.
Cephus said it was risky that the trial should continue under a political atmosphere.
