GRAND GEDEH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OPENS AUGUST TERM — JUDGE WILES CALLS FOR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

GRAND GEDEH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OPENS AUGUST TERM — JUDGE WILES CALLS FOR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County — The August A.D. 2025 Term of the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court for Grand Gedeh County was officially opened on Monday with a strong call for judicial officers to uphold the independence of the judiciary and resist all forms of political interference.

Delivering the formal opening charge, Resident Circuit Judge Cllr. George S. Wiles Jr. emphasized that the judiciary must remain “entirely separate and free from political influence” in order to protect constitutional democracy and ensure justice for all Liberians.

The ceremony was attended by prominent officials including members of the Grand Gedeh County Legislative Caucus, the City Mayor, court officials, the National Association of Trial Judges, the Grand Gedeh County Bar Association, the County Attorney, prosecutors, public defenders, joint security representatives, religious leaders, ministerial staff, prospective jurors, media practitioners, and other distinguished guests.

“We are guardians of the law, not mouthpieces for government or opposition,” Judge Wiles declared. “Our independence is not for personal pride; it is for the protection of the Liberian people.”

The judge stressed that the separation of powers, enshrined in the Liberian Constitution, serves as a protective wall against tyranny, abuse of authority, and the collapse of constitutional governance. He warned that when the courts are compromised, citizens become vulnerable, and justice risks becoming a privilege for a few rather than a right for all.

Judge Wiles also addressed public concerns about allegations of corruption, favoritism, and undue political influence within the judiciary, cautioning that such perceptions—whether real or exaggerated—erode public trust.

“If we allow party loyalty or executive pressure to influence our rulings, we endanger the peace and stability of our beloved country,” he said. “It is the duty of every judge to resist political interference, anchor themselves in the law, and allow conscience and the Constitution to guide their decisions.”

He called on the local bar association, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, and all court officers to uphold due process and fairness, adding that an independent judiciary should be seen as an ally, not a threat, to the other branches of government.

Addressing political actors directly, Judge Wiles urged them to refrain from interfering in judicial matters or seeking to influence court outcomes. He pledged that the court remains committed to reform, discipline, and ensuring that judicial officers live up to their oath of office.

“The strength of a nation rests not only on its army or its economy, but on the fairness of its courts,” he concluded. “Let us strive to build and maintain a tradition worthy of the trust of the Liberian people, now and for generations to come.”

Invoking the mandate of the Chief Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, Judge Wiles officially declared the August Term of Court open for business.