PRESS CONFERENCEFrom: Zokerseh B SayeExecutive Director concerns over justice for victims in Liberia

PRESS CONFERENCE
From: Zokerseh B Saye
Executive Director
The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative [LATVSI]
Head Office 14th Street, Gibson Avenue, Monrovia, Montserrado County – Liberia

Date: Monday, July 20, 2026

Good afternoon , members of the press.

We are here today to express our deep concern over justice for victims of human trafficking in Liberia, especially following Liberia’s downgrade to the Tier 2 Watch List in the latest global anti-trafficking report.

While the report recognizes some government efforts, it also highlights serious shortcomings:
Fewer prosecutions and zero convictions of traffickers
Inadequate victim support services
Limited resources for law enforcement
Concerns about official complicity

These findings reinforce concerns that the justice system is not adequately protecting victims.

We are also gravely concerned about recent developments within the Judiciary.
The appointment of Cllr. Bestman D. Juah as National Coordinator of the Public Defense Program raises questions about public confidence and potential conflicts of interest.

Allegedly FrontPage Africa reported on July 3, 2026 on the country’s just-concluded largest human trafficking case. According to that report, the defendant was alleged to have given USD $7,000 to Cllr. Bestman to tamper with the case, an allegation that contributed to delays in the proceedings. Additionally, LATVSI has received complaints from victims regarding Cllr. Juah’s prior affiliation with Qnet, an institution linked to the trafficking of Liberian citizens.

Given the critical role of the Public Defense Program in representing vulnerable Liberians, these concerns deserve an independent and transparent review to protect the integrity of our justice system.

Therefore, LATVSI respectfully calls on the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Justice, and the Judiciary to:
Institute an independent investigation into the allegations against Cllr. Bestman D. Juah and reconsider his appointment pending the outcome.
Conduct an independent review of all pending human trafficking cases and protect investigations from interference.
Strengthen support, funding, and training for law enforcement and victim services to meet international standards and ensure justice is served.

Liberia must act decisively to protect victims, strengthen public confidence, and uphold the rule of law. At this moment, the credibility of our institutions is being tested.

Thank you.
We welcome your questions.

Signed,
Zokerseh B Saye
Executive Director
The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative [LATVSI]