Police arrested Liberia's former parliament leader for burning down the government building. Jonathan Fonati Koffa faces serious charges after fire destroyed the House of Representatives last December. Officers believe Koffa planned the attack during a bitter fight with other lawmakers. American investigators proved someone started the fire on purpose. The blaze happened when dozens of politicians wanted to remove Koffa from power.
Koffa must answer to charges of arson and trying to kill people. Police say he used his office workers to damage the building starting in November 2023. The former Speaker fought with opponents who accused him of stealing money and bad leadership. Three other lawmakers joined Koffa at Monrovia Central Prison after questioning.
The political battle tore apart the House of Representatives for many months. Lawmakers voted to impeach Koffa over corruption claims and conflicts of interest. He stepped down from his Speaker job last month after the long deadlock. Police summoned several politicians to headquarters for interviews about the fire. The power struggle left the government building in ruins and the country without a working parliament.
Koffa must answer to charges of arson and trying to kill people. Police say he used his office workers to damage the building starting in November 2023. The former Speaker fought with opponents who accused him of stealing money and bad leadership. Three other lawmakers joined Koffa at Monrovia Central Prison after questioning.
The political battle tore apart the House of Representatives for many months. Lawmakers voted to impeach Koffa over corruption claims and conflicts of interest. He stepped down from his Speaker job last month after the long deadlock. Police summoned several politicians to headquarters for interviews about the fire. The power struggle left the government building in ruins and the country without a working parliament.
