Washington, D.C. (The Saharaa) – Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson, once a notorious rebel leader and now a prominent figure in his county, finds himself under renewed scrutiny as U.S. investigators actively gather evidence in Liberia regarding his alleged involvement in the murder of an American woman.
Johnson, known for his part in the Liberian civil war, has since transitioned into politics, expressing aspirations to lead the nation as its President. Despite his controversial past, he retains significant influence, particularly in Nimba County.
The Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), led by Johnson, was implicated in capturing, torturing, and killing then-President Samuel Kayon Doe in 1990. Although Johnson openly acknowledged his role in these acts during Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings, he denies involvement in other war-related atrocities.
However, one particular crime continues to haunt Johnson – the alleged murder of Hladini devi dasi, formerly known as Linda Jury from Michigan, United States, which took place on October 3, 1990. Das was a devoted follower of Hare Krishna.
Sources reveal that investigators are currently in Liberia, gathering evidence and testimonies from eyewitnesses with the aim of building a case against Johnson, potentially leading to his arrest and prosecution in the United States.
While Liberia has yet to establish a war crimes court, recent cases demonstrate that perpetrators of past atrocities are not immune to legal consequences. Last weekend, Agnes Reeves Taylor, former wife of ex-President Charles Taylor, faced charges of torture in a British court. Charles Taylor himself is serving a 50-year sentence in a British prison for war crimes in Sierra Leone.
Similarly, in 2014, Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, a former minister and member of Taylor’s NPFL, was indicted by U.S. federal prosecutors for lying on his citizenship application about his ties to Taylor.
In Belgium, Martina Johnson, the commander of Operation Octopus, is facing charges related to war crimes, including allegations of torture during the conflict.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Mark Jabateh, a former rebel leader, is confronting charges of fraud and perjury stemming from his immigration to the U.S. in the late 1990s.
For Prince Johnson, mounting testimonies and evidence suggest that legal repercussions may be imminent. Thus far, six eyewitnesses have provided testimonies implicating him in the murder of Hladini devi dasi.
“This case has been pending for a very long time now,” an intelligence source remarked, signaling potential developments in the investigation.
