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Posted August 14, 2006
Why No One Should Be Above The Law
When certain people begin to place themselves above the
law, or are placed above the law, anarchy begins. When this happens, the
entire security of the country is at risk. The significance of Article11c is
to ensure orderliness and a stabilized country. The people are likely to
resort to violence when Article 11c of the Constitution is perverted.
The fundamental rights clause of the Liberian
Constitution under Chapter III Article 11c states that “All persons are
equal before the law and are therefore entitled to equal protection of the
law.”
There are two suspects, Ashford Peal and Chris
Massaquoi and a prime suspect, Darlington Bleh in the murder of SSS officer,
Emmanuel Williams a week ago.
The shooter or prime suspect, Darlington Bleh,
according to reports, is assisting the Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
with the investigation. The other two are reportedly backed on duty with the
president.
The current status of Peal and Massaquoi suggests they
have nothing to do with Emmanuel Williams’s death, perhaps because they did
not pull the trigger. But observers are saying even though they might not
pull the trigger, but their presence on the scene or proximity to the scene
of the murder and their direct contact with the shooter and command over him
are enough evidence to hold them for second or third degree murder.
Others are suggesting that these two SSS bosses may not
take the stand to answer to allegations of their involvement in the murder
of Emmanuel Williams. Their reason for such assertion is that the two SSS
bosses are special to the president which is evident of their normal
performance of duty with the president despite public clamor for them to
face thorough questioning from law enforcers.
The government of Liberia is instituted by the
authority of the citizens for their benefits, which include the protection
of life and property. The safety and happiness of the people can be fully
protected by the government in accordance with the Liberian Constitution.
These include the arrest and fair and speedy trial of individuals suspected
of committing crimes or posing dangers to the safety of the citizens and
security of the nation.
After a free and fair trial, suspect’s fate is
determined by the grand jury. He is either convicted or set free. If suspect
is convicted, he receives punishment based on the weight of the crime
committed. He then becomes a criminal-who is not worth to live among
peaceful citizens for sometimes or forever.
By punishing offenders, justice is rendered to
victim(s) and deterrence makes impact on the society; and those that are not
the direct victims of a crime would begin to build confidence in the
security system and the rule of law or due process of law.
Equally so, enforcing the law must not have any
boundary. All persons, regardless of your position and status in society,
and or your political and social affiliation must be subject to the law. In
Article 2: The Constitution is the supreme law of Liberia and its provisions
shall have binding force and effect on all authorities and persons
throughout the Republic.
The Constitution empowers the citizens to alter
and reform the same when their safety and happiness so required. But the
citizens have been unable to peacefully alter and or reform past bad
governments due to their (governments) absolute powers. Consequently, bad
government succeeded bad government at the weakness of the people until
civil war broke out.
Writes,
Thomas Kai Toteh
tnyantk@yahoo.com
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