Monrovia – Lawyer representing the legal interest of former National Port Authority Managing Director Matilda Parker and former comptroller Christiana Paelay has waived their right to jury trial. They will, therefore, be tried by a bench trial, which means, the judge will sit as judge-jury de facto to decide both issues of facts and law. Arthur Johnson said state prosecutor application was inconsequential on grounds that there is an ongoing jury trial in the court, which by law prohibits another jury trial. He said the though the constitution provides for a jury trial, it is more of a right of the one standing trial. The indictment further indicated that the contract for the removal of wrecks from the Port of Greenville did not meet the approval of the Liberia Maritime Authority since the work was marine-related.

Source: Front Page Africa September 13, 2018 23:37 UTC