By Wilmot Konah
Monrovia: The Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander B. Cummings, has dismissed the jury tampering allegations that emerged in the aftermath of the acquittal of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, urging state prosecutors to prioritize evidence-based prosecution over what he described as post-verdict distractions.
Speaking on Sky Radio in Monrovia on Tuesday, Cummings questioned the growing public and official focus on allegations of jury interference following Criminal Court “C”’s decision to acquit Tweah and several co-defendants of serious charges, including economic sabotage, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy.
He argued that once a competent court of jurisdiction had reached a verdict based on the evidence presented, the proper legal pathway—if the prosecution disagreed with the outcome—was to pursue an appeal rather than revisit the matter through allegations that surfaced after the jury had been discharged.
“The jury found the man not guilty and they were discharged. Instead of gathering evidence to follow the appellate process, they started saying it was jury tampering,” Cummings said, stressing that such claims should not overshadow the judicial outcome already delivered by the court.
Cummings emphasized that the integrity of the justice system depends on the strength and credibility of evidence presented during trial proceedings. He noted that shifting focus away from the courtroom record to external allegations risks weakening public confidence in the judicial process and the broader fight against corruption.
According to him, prosecution efforts should always be grounded in verifiable facts, properly tested in court, and subjected to due process, rather than being influenced by public sentiment or post-trial narratives. He maintained that a justice system must remain consistent, transparent, and guided strictly by law, regardless of the profile of the individuals involved.
He further cautioned that politicizing legal proceedings could have long-term consequences for the credibility of state institutions, particularly in high-profile corruption cases. Cummings stressed that when prosecutions are perceived as politically driven or inconsistent, it risks eroding trust in both the judiciary and the government’s anti-corruption agenda.
The ANC political leader also reiterated that the appellate system exists precisely to address dissatisfaction with trial outcomes, and should be fully utilized where necessary, rather than relying on public allegations that arise after a case has been concluded.Meanwhile, the jury tampering allegations—reportedly raised by three jurors following the verdict—remain under investigation by relevant authorities.
