Monrovia, Oct. 1 -- Peter Bon Jallah's lawyers asked Criminal Court "E" on Wednesday to end his trial before he ever had to answer the charges. Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh, Sr. said no.

By Willie N. Tokpah

But the ruling, handed down on Wednesday, September 30, decided less than it might appear. Judge Wesseh made clear he was not declaring Jallah guilty or innocent. He was saying only that the prosecution had produced enough evidence for the defense to answer before he makes up his mind.

The 63-year-old is on trial over allegations of gang rape, statutory rape and kidnapping involving a 16-year-old boy. He has denied the charges and chose to be tried by the judge alone, without a jury. That means one man will weigh every inconsistenc...