Former House Speaker Fonati Koffa has vigorously protested his innocence and that of his fellow lawmakers who face controversial arson-related charges, insisting that the case is built on a foundation of falsehoods.
After being released on bail Monday, Koffa did not hesitate to denounce the charges as politically motivated.
“Did you listen to the Press Conference of the Police Inspector General? He did say this is a highly political case,” Koffa declared to reporters, drawing attention to the widespread criticism surrounding the motives behind the investigation.
Koffa accused Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman of relying on “a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies, and misstatements” to justify the charges.
 “In the next few weeks as we go through the preliminary hearing, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy,” he added.
The political implications of the case have caught the attention of former President George Weah, who expressed his dismay over the handling of the lawmakers’ detention. “Innocent people were jailed,” Weah stated during a visit to the court on Monday morning at his Congress for Democratic Change party headquarters. “This is wrong. This is wickedness at the core.”
The police have cited “credible links” suggesting Koffa was “strategically involved” in the alleged incident, which has also implicated three other lawmakers, all of whom remain in detention. Coleman outlined a range of charges against Koffa, including arson, criminal mischief, endangering others, and attempted murder.
