‘Garcia Is Not A Convicted Criminal’

By Jamesetta D Williams

The Government of Liberia has confirmed that Mr. Garcia, a foreign national, has been received into the country on humanitarian grounds and is not a convicted criminal, contrary to widespread social media rumors.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, Acting Minister Johnny Tarkpah clarified that U.S. authorities had sought a third country to receive Mr. Garcia for humanitarian reasons, and Liberia agreed to provide him temporary safe haven in line with its long-standing humanitarian traditions.

“As far as the Government of Liberia is aware, Mr. Garcia has not been convicted in any court in the United States,” Tarkpah stated. “Liberia has a long history of offering refuge to individuals under humanitarian circumstances consistent with our democratic values and compassion for humanity.”

He emphasized that Liberia’s decision aligns with its international reputation as one of Africa’s oldest democracies, known for promoting peace, humanitarianism, and regional solidarity.

Tarkpah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of compassion and human rights, noting that Liberia’s humanitarian response reflects the country’s moral and diplomatic responsibility within the international community.