By:Jackie Dennis
Several women believed to be supporters of Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, Julie Endee gathered at the Monrovia City Court Temple of Justice on Monday, February 19, 2024, disrupting normal Court activities, calling for the imprisonment of Nayapougma Yeazeahn alias Prophet Key.
Some of the women held placards with inscriptions “Respect for all women is key” Justice for one Justice for all in front of the City Court.
Party litigants came to hear their cases and were seen all around the court grounds while those women carried placards.
Due to the huge presence of some women groups with their placards, the Judiciary was quick to inform the Liberia National Police and some riot officers intervened to kind the situation down.
The case of Prophet Key all started at the Monrovia City Court where Madam Endee filed a complaint claiming that Prophet Key threatened her on his social platforms and that he would ensure that she never had the opportunity to work in any government in Liberia which caused her fear and distress She also informed the court that Prophet Key’s actions were intended to bring public relief and shame.
It was based on her complaint that the court charged Prophet Key with Criminal Coercion Menacing and Disorderly. Prophet Key was later informed by Magistrate Ben Barco to file his Criminal Appearance bond on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, At 1:00, and failure on his part to do so would be re-arrested and sent to a common Jail.
He ordered the prosecution to issue Ne Exit Republica which the prosecution did meaning Prophet Key could not travel out of Liberia. While the Lawyers representing Prophet Key during the day hearing requested pre-trial conferences before going into the case the lawyers represented Amb. Endee requested the court to deny the said application.
Magistrate Barco granted the submission of the defense for a pre-trial conference and denied the prosecution resistance as per the order of the judge they proceeded into the Judge’s chamber with their lawyers and two persons each from both sides, but Madam Endee didn’t agree to resolve the matter.
Immediately they went into the case and Prophet Key pea not guilty. Now the burden of proof rests on the prosecution. Immediately upon hearing Magistrate Barco’s decision not to imprison Prophet Key as anticipated by Julie Endee supporters who had gathered were seen booing Prophet Key while he enjoyed a temporary bond known as a personal recognizance.
Hearing into the case continue on Friday, February 23, 2024, with the prosecution’s first witness Madam Endee taking the stand
