MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Liberia’s justice system faces mounting pressure to resolve prolonged pretrial detention, with Justice Minister-designate Cllr. Betty M. Lamine Blamo pledging a nationwide examination of detainees’ cases if confirmed by the Senate.
Blamo disclosed during her confirmation hearing that 2,848 of the 4,125 people incarcerated across Liberia as of September 2026 were awaiting trial, highlighting persistent delays in the country’s criminal justice system.
She said the situation is particularly difficult for defendants who lack the financial means to hire private attorneys, leaving some unable to secure timely legal assistance as their cases remain unresolved.
Monrovia Central Prison, the country’s largest correctional facility, housed 1,888 inmates, including 1,312 who had not been tried, according to figures presented by the minister-designate.
Blamo said addressing the backlog would require stronger coordination across the justice system and greater attention to the legal rights of people held in custody.
She referenced Article 21 of Liberia’s Constitution, which provides safeguards for arrested persons, including provisions governing their appearance before a court within 48 hours. She also emphasized that individuals accused of crimes must be presumed innocent unless their guilt is established through due legal process.
“The conditions in which people are detained are a measure of our commitment to democracy,” Blamo told senators.
The minister-designate disclosed that a review of pretrial detention cases at Monrovia Central Prison had already commenced. Subject to confirmation, she intends to expand the assessment to correctional facilities throughout the country.
Under the proposed approach, authorities would determine which cases should proceed to prosecution and which detainees may qualify for release under the law.
“The state will either prosecute or release in accordance with law,” she said.
Blamo also identified cooperation with the judiciary, public defenders, the Liberian National Bar Association and legal aid organizations as essential to reducing delays and ensuring that defendants have access to legal representation.
Investigation Gaps Pose Challenges for Prosecution
In addition to the large number of untried detainees, Blamo pointed to weaknesses in criminal investigations and coordination between police investigators and prosecutors as factors undermining the effective administration of justice.
She explained that some prosecutions encounter difficulties because investigators fail to complete their inquiries, evidence is not properly preserved, or the charges brought against suspects do not correspond with the available evidence.
Such shortcomings can undermine cases in court, delay justice for victims and leave accused persons in detention for extended periods without a final determination of their cases.
Blamo said she would assess the capacity of the prosecution department and pursue measures to strengthen case preparation and improve the handling of criminal proceedings if confirmed.
She also called for increased financial support for the Ministry of Justice, particularly to enable the recruitment of additional prosecutors and improve compensation for existing staff.
According to the minister-designate, several experienced prosecutors have departed the ministry following salary harmonization, contributing to staffing difficulties within the department.
She argued that retaining qualified legal personnel and providing adequate operational resources would improve the government’s ability to prosecute serious crimes while protecting the rights of defendants.
Blamo stressed that reducing the backlog would require sustained collaboration among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts and institutions providing legal assistance.
Her proposed nationwide review seeks to distinguish cases that are ready for prosecution from those requiring further action or in which continued detention may no longer be legally warranted.
The initiative, she said, would form part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability, improve access to justice and ensure that criminal cases are handled fairly and without unnecessary delays.
