A Criminal Court in Liberia has rejected a defense motion seeking to suppress evidence in the ongoing trial over the arson attack on the country’s Parliamentary building.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Roosevelt Willie, allows the trial of former House Speaker Fonati Kofa and his co-defendants to resume on September 26, 2025. The defense had argued that key evidence was obtained through torture or inhuman treatment, violating constitutional protections.

The 32-count indictment has drawn national attention, with defense lawyers pressing for its dismissal. However, the court ruled that there were no sufficient grounds to exclude the evidence at this stage.

The decision sets the stage for a contentious resumption of the high-profile trial.