By Paul G Rancy, Grand Gedeh County

ZWEDRU, Aug 17 ( LINA ) – The assigned judge at the 7^th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Gedeh County, Zuballah Kizeku, has expressed concern over the rise in the number of pre-trial detainees, as he urged prosecutors to come to court with evidence and witnesses.

He made the call recently while delivering his charge in Zwedru at the official opening of the August 2024 term of court.

Judge Kizeku who spoke on a theme:  "Prosecution must come to court with evidence", said there are so many pre-trial detainees who have over stayed in prisons because the prosecution has not produced substantial evidence against them.

Kizeku used the National Palace of Corrections in Grand Gedeh County as a case study where there are pre-trial detainees who have stayed over three to four terms of court without finding their days in court.

"I will make use of the legal instrument, section 18.2 of the criminal procedure law, to ensure that such overstayed detainees are set free," Kizeku said.

The Judge further called on magistrates, lawyers and all court actors to desist from unlawful acts that will derail public confidence in the justice system. He cautioned against the lackadaisical attitude of court actors especially those who deliberately stay away from work, something he said will not be tolerated under his watch.

Responding to the Judge's charge, Grand Gedeh County Attorney, E. Wilkins Nah, lauded the judge for selecting such a sensitive theme. He mentioned that they are paid by the government to prosecute government cases, as such, it is important that much is done to protect the interest of the state in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

He also called on the police and joint security to make sure that sufficient evidence is established before forwarding any alleged perpetrator to court.

Nah assured the resident judge that he will work with the joint security in gathering and presenting sufficient evidence in any case before trial.

For his part, Atty Rennie O. Moses, Public Defender of Grand Gedeh County praised the judge for the charge. Atty. Moses noted that “it will surprise you to know that the National Palace of Corrections in Grand Gedeh County is overcrowded with pre-trial detainees.”

"I will use the law to ensure that such people are released,” he assured.

The 7^th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Gedeh County resumed its August term of court on Monday August 12, A .D.  2024, with 12 criminal and over 40 civil cases.

The event was attended by civil society groups, local authorities, community members, the mass media amongst others.