Peter Bon Jallah Trial Nears Showdown as Defense Rests; Verdict Expected October 22

Prosecution Set to Present Rebuttal Witnesses Next Week as Court Moves Toward Closing Arguments in High-Profile Sexual Assault Case By:Willie N. Tokpah Monrovia-The trial of Peter Bon Jallah, alleged rape defendant, at Criminal Court “E” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia is approaching a decisive stage, with the defense having rested its case and the court expected to hear prosecution rebuttal witnesses next week before closing arguments and a possible verdict on Thursday, October 22. The case, being heard by Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh Sr. without a jury, is expected to conclude, if the remaining proceedings proceed according to the current schedule. Following the defense’s presentation of eight witnesses, including Jallah himself, the court convened for the appearance of representatives from three institutions subpoenaed by the defense.

These institutions include, Orange GSM, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, JFK. The defense sought the institutions’ participation in connection with documents relevant to issues raised during the proceedings. Their appearance forms part of the final evidentiary steps before the case moves into its rebuttal and closing-argument phases. The court is scheduled to resume on Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, when the prosecution is expected to present rebuttal witnesses in response to evidence introduced by the defense. Sources familiar with the trial indicate that the prosecution could call as many as eight rebuttal witnesses, although the final number will depend on how the proceedings unfold. If the prosecution completes its rebuttal evidence within the anticipated period, the parties are expected to present their closing arguments on Thursday, October 22.…