LIBERIA: WIFE KILLER GETS HACKING DEATH SENTENCE

March 21, 2012: In Liberia, Murder suspect William G. Dweh, was sentenced to a maximum death penalty by hacking by Criminal Court 'A' Judge James W. Zotaa. Dweh has been tried and convicted of killing and burying his 28-year-old fiancée Venelsay Karsua at the home of the former couple last October.
Confirming jurors' unanimous guilty verdict at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the trial judge asked the Almighty God to forgive the defendant's 'wicked soul' while ruling that the convict be put to death by hacking from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM until he is pronounced dead.
But defendant Dweh's lawyer announced an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia following the judge's ruling.
Responding to reporters' inquiry outside the court as to whether death sentence can be executed in Liberia now that the country is a signatory to international treaty which bans such harsh penalty, Solicitor General Michael Wilkins Wrights, said no international treaty is higher than the Constitution of Liberia.
"Now, it is a catch; our constitution is the highest law in this country. Even though we are a signatory to an international treaty, no international treaty is higher than our constitution. To be able to take effect, it means that our constitution must be amended," said the Solicitor General.
Cllr. Wrights insists that until that is done, the laws provide for the death penalty as imposed by Judge Zotaa. (Sources: allafrica.com, 22/03/2012)