CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO APPOINTMENT OF CLLR. BESTMAN D. JUAH AS NATIONAL COORDINATOR, PUBLIC DEFENSE PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Saturday July 18, 2026
From: The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Victims Support Initiative [LATVSI]

CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO APPOINTMENT OF CLLR. BESTMAN D. JUAH AS NATIONAL COORDINATOR, PUBLIC DEFENSE PROGRAM

Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Victims Support Initiative [LATVSI] respectfully calls on the Chief Justice, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. and the Judiciary to institute an immediate investigation into the prior affiliations of Cllr. Bestman D. Juah prior to his appointment as National Coordinator of the Public Defense Program, as announced in a July 1, 2026 memorandum from the Office of the Court Administrator.

Liberia was recently downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List in the global trafficking report due to concerns of official complicity, low prosecution, and inadequate victim services.

It has been alleged that Cllr. Juah’s name has surfaced in connection with multiple victim cases involving institutions linked to human trafficking. Given the critical mandate of the Public Defense Program to provide legal representation to vulnerable Liberians, this appointment raises serious concerns about conflict of interest and public trust.

To safeguard the integrity of the justice system and Liberia’s fight against human trafficking, LATVSI urges the Chief Justice to:
Conduct a full vetting and investigation into Cllr. Juah’s prior professional affiliations and any involvement in trafficking-related cases.
Withhold his induction pending the outcome of the investigation to avoid any perception of obstruction.
Uphold transparency and due diligence in all future judicial appointments.

Justice for victims must come first. We trust the Judiciary will act to protect the credibility of our courts and restore confidence for survivors.

Signed,
Management
The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Victims Support Initiative [LATVSI]

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Facebook: Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Victims Support Initiative