Medical Report In Capital Building Arson Case Rules Out Sodomy, Unclear on Torture
September 22, 2025
Monrovia: A medical report in the capital building arson case issued by A.M.I. Clinic under the Istanbul Protocol has totally ruled out sodomy by physical examination and by patient’s own denial but findings on torture is unclear regarding the full extent of the alleged torture endured by Thomas Etheridge and others while in state custody.
The report, conducted by Dr. Philip Zochners Ireland, outlines that Etheridge suffered from left shoulder disfigurement and psychological distress, which the physician notes may align with Etheridge’s claims of being beaten with handcuffs during detention.
However, the medical documentation falls short of directly confirming or rejecting the full scope of torture described by the victim, instead using cautious language like “aligns with the patient’s account.”
Key Takeaways: Sodomy Allegation Dismissed: The report clearly states that the patient denied any form of sexual assault or sodomy, and no physical evidence supported such a claim.
Partial Support for Torture Claims: The only specific physical injury noted left shoulder disfigurement was “attributed to beating received,” but no other visible injuries were documented.
Psychological Trauma Noted: The patient appeared emaciated, dishevelled, and anxious, with complaints of blurred vision, right-hand numbness, and body pains symptoms that may suggest past trauma but were not conclusively linked to torture in the report.
Normal Findings in Most Areas: Head, neck, abdomen, skin, and soft tissue all showed no abnormalities, and no internal injuries were identified.
According to a local media, Spoon FM report, State prosecutors are yet to comment on the findings, but critics argue the report gives partial validation to Etheridge’s and Co-defendants claims while also giving room for the state to challenge the severity or legality of the alleged abuse.
In most part the report fails to tell the public as instructed by the court that whether these torture talk about occurred during the period of December 2024 to June 2025 at which time the defendants were been investigated.
The court has set Wednesday September 24, 2025, for the ruling in the motion to suppress evidence as prayed for by the defense team representing both former speaker Fonati Koffa and the rest of his co-defendants.
