Why Doe released Sawyer and others
In a release from the Executive Mansion, the Interim National Assembly (INA), President said his action was motivated by three principal factors:
Firstly, he said, his reflection on the good behaviour and constructive comments made by the students of Booker Washington Institute (BWI), on the question of national unity, convinced him that the occasion was an appropriate time to heal the impending wound.
Secondly, Dr Doe said, at a time when the nation is moving forward to democratic rule, and struggling to overcome the economic problems facing the country, he felt that prolonged investigations, trials and imprisonment could not help the situation.
The INA President said he also felt that as Dr Sawyer is a candidate for the Presidency, his arrest and detention could have been interpreted as an attempt to bar him from active participation in the democratic process.
Dr Doe, however, stressed that his granting of unconditional release to Dr Sawyer, Mr Podier and others should not be interpreted as Government not having a case against them. "As Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I have the right to drop charges against anyone convicted or suspected of a crime: to free anyone in jail or to grant clemency to anyone," Dr Doe said.
He added: "I have frequently exercised this prerogative in the interest of national unity and reconciliation."
Head of State, Doe, emphasized that anyone who feels that there was never a case against those released should be brave enough and honest to themselves to come forward and challenge the Government on the issue. He said that even if those released feel they were not legally detained can raise the issue with Government. "Anyone who has evidence to prove that the charges against those arrested are not guilty should produce such evidence to Government.”
Dr Doe frowned on those who have endeavoured to create chaos in society by the promotion of violence through leaflets, gossips and lies.
"We can not face reality through anonymous letters and publications by cowards, calling themselves revolutionaries," Dr Doe said.
Dr Doe also warned newspapers in the country that it would be in their best interest to know the authors of articles or the writers of letters.
He said this is important because anyone making a charge against Government should be real, and able to defend such charges should the Government require answers.
He emphasized that security forces will be vigilant in arresting anyone under Decree 88A, "who attempts to create fear and unrest in our country."
The Head of State said: "As we proceed toward the establishment of a democratic government, we will exercise every degree of patience, with the understanding that the people of Liberia will be responsible and patriotic in all of their actions".
