Monrovia, June 27 -- Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah has condemned his arrest and detention, along with several former officials, as a "public witch-hunt" lacking legal merit.

By Willie N. Tokpah

Speaking shortly after his release from the Monrovia Central Prison on Thursday, Kemayah claimed the government has failed to produce compelling evidence to justify the charges against him.

Kemayah, who was arrested with seven other former officials in connection with the alleged diversion of humanitarian rice aid, maintained his innocence and called for a fair and transparent legal process.

"It is unfortunate and unjustifiable to arrest and jail individuals without substantial evidence," Kemayah stated. "However,...