STAR radio Liberia - President Sireaf grants Koukou clemency

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President Sireaf grants Koukou clemency

Written by Wellington Geevon Smith

Monday, 28 January 2008

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says government would no longer pursue the treason trial of former transitional Speaker George Koukou.

President Sirleaf said she would file the necessary legal instrument to secure the release of Mr. Koukou.

The President did not say when the former Speaker would be free but called on Mr. Koukou to see the move as part of the process of reconciliation.

President Sirleaf called on Mr. Koukou to accept the pardon in order to pursue his future in a peaceful manner by refraining from what she called unlawful and illegal acts.

She called on the people, community and county of Mr. Koukou to see the decision as a response to the many pleas submitted to her on his behalf.

The Liberian leader said as other cases are more complex in evidence and at a more advance stage in the courts, government would allow the judicial process in those cases to run its course.

She spoke Monday when she addressed the Joint Session of the National Legislature for the third time since the sitting of the government in 2006.

President Sirleaf said government is determined to pursue all corruption cases brought against former officials.

The President ensured the cases would be disposed of during the February Term of court.

She said government is preparing to bring more indictments forward court of both past and current officials of government and those who aided them in the violation of public trust.

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