By: Gegee Brima
MONROVIA, Liberia – Criminal Court “C” is expected to hear arguments and deliver a ruling on Friday, November 13, on a defense motion seeking a new trial in the controversial Saudi Rice case, with the court also expected to determine the next steps toward the final disposition of the matter.
According to the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), the hearing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia. The court previously heard arguments on the defense motion on November 6.
The motion follows an October 9 jury verdict in which eight of the 13 defendants were found guilty of offenses connected to the alleged diversion and misapplication of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for disaster victims and other vulnerable communities in Liberia.
Three defendants were acquitted, while the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the cases involving the remaining two defendants.
At the center of the proceedings is the alleged misappropriation of 29,412 bags of rice, valued at approximately US$500,000, which were donated as humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations across the country.
AREPT said the court is expected to resolve the defense’s request for a new trial before proceeding to any sentencing, where legally appropriate.
The outcome of Friday’s hearing could determine whether the guilty verdicts stand or whether the affected defendants will be granted another trial.
The taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process, the rule of law, and accountability in the management of public and humanitarian resources.
It also stated that it would continue working with the Ministry of Justice to pursue justice and facilitate the lawful recovery of public assets in accordance with applicable laws.
