WOFIM Backs Chief Justice’s Push to Abolish Jury System, Cites Corruption and Eroding Public Trust

M****onrovia — The Young Liberian Women Organization for Improvement (WOFIM) has thrown its support behind Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr.‘s call for the abolition of trial juries in Liberia, warning that alleged jury tampering, corruption, and verdict manipulation are undermining public confidence in the country’s justice system.

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By Patience M. Jones,[email protected]

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In a press statement issued in Monrovia on October 22, 2026, and released on October 30, WOFIM said the continued involvement of jurors in criminal proceedings, amid reported cases of unethical conduct, threatens access to justice, equal protection under the law, and the protection of vulnerable people.

The women-led organization expressed strong support for the Chief Justice’s concerns about allegations that jurors solicit or accept financial and other benefits in exchange for verdicts, potentially resulting in the acquittal of suspects despite strong evidence or the conviction of vulnerable individuals without fair hearings.

WOFIM cited several incidents from previous judicial circuits to support its position, including alleged jury tampering during the Eighth Judicial Circuit sitting in Nimba County in 2022.

The organization also referenced a reported rape case compromise during the Seventh Judicial Circuit sitting in Grand Gedeh County, as well as another rape case during the 11th Judicial Circuit sitting in Bong County, which it said was compromised through alleged jury interference.

Additionally, WOFIM pointed to a drug-related case during the 13th Judicial Circuit sitting in Margibi County, which reportedly suffered a setback following alleged jury tampering while proceedings were still pending.

The organization argued that such allegations raise serious concerns about the credibility of criminal trials and the ability of Liberia’s justice system to deliver impartial and reliable verdicts.

WOFIM, a member of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), said its position is grounded in the principles of Article 8 of the Maputo Protocol, which guarantees women’s access to justice and equal protection before the law.

According to the organization, failure to address alleged misconduct within the jury system could further weaken public confidence in the judiciary and contribute to increased corruption, human rights violations, and disregard for the rule of law.

It warned that the consequences could extend beyond the courtroom, potentially contributing to national instability, migration, and increased violence against women, girls, and children, particularly in cases involving rape and drug-related offenses.

Citing Public Distrust in Justice System

WOFIM further disclosed that a desk review conducted by the organization, citing Afrobarometer data, puts public trust in Liberia’s justice system at 37 percent.

The organization argued that the government cannot successfully implement its ARREST Agenda without a credible and trusted judicial system capable of ensuring accountability and protecting citizens’ rights.

“ We cannot achieve the ARREST Agenda without trusted courts,” the organization emphasized.

Calls for Constitutional Reform

Beyond supporting the Chief Justice’s position, WOFIM called on citizens, civil society organizations, private-sector actors, national and international donors, international non-governmental organizations, members of the Liberian diaspora, and the international community to join efforts aimed at reforming the country’s justice system.

The organization specifically called for advocacy around Article 28 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, urging stakeholders to support changes that would address the challenges associated with the current jury system.

WOFIM maintained that meaningful judicial reform is necessary to restore public confidence, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure that victims and accused persons receive fair treatment under the law.

About WOFIM

The Young Liberian Women Organization for Improvement (WOFIM) is a women-led, non-governmental, and nonprofit organization established in 2011.

The organization works to empower women and girls through community development, livelihood initiatives, leadership training, advocacy, environmental management, gender equality, and peacebuilding.

The statement was signed by Kona S. Kollie, Executive Director of WOFIM.