Monrovia-October 7, 2025 – The Affiliation of Feminine Attorneys of Liberia (AFELL) has expressed disappointment within the Inspector Common of Police Gregory Coleman’s deliberate refusal to arrest suspect Bryant McGill on the allegation of Statutory Rape.
Inspector Coleman in a latest press briefing offered replace on the alleged statutory rape of a 14 years outdated minor by the previous Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports activities Bryant McGill.
He knowledgeable the general public that the police are but to determine what he known as “Possible Trigger” for the arrest of suspect McGill, though the Police is in possession of the medical report and the survivors’ persistent testimony that “Uncle Bryant” raped her greater than as soon as.” AFELL wonders as to what represent “Possible Trigger” by Director Coleman in a case of statutory rape.
AFELL in a launch famous, “As defenders of the rights of ladies and kids who proceed to be subjected to violence, we had been bowled over when Director Coleman closely relied on a Shut Circuit Tv (CCTV) footage, as a justification to not make an arrest.”
The discharge added, “Sadly, the CCTV footage being relied on by the police is an tools managed by the Info Expertise (IT) group of the Youth and Sports activities Ministry the place the suspect labored as a Deputy Minister with out contemplating whether or not it may have been doctored or manipulated versus the survivor’s testimony and the medical report as a possible trigger to arrest the suspect.”
Liberian Police Chief Col. Gregory O. Coleman
Much more disturbing in his briefing is the truth that he dismally didn’t state the authenticity of the CCTV footage which should meet particular authorized necessities as to its’ relevance, reliability, and validity, that may very well be challenged in courtroom. The IG didn’t state in his press convention how the police reached the conclusion or willpower on the authenticity of the CCTV footage that’s being closely relied on by the state. In our opinion, that is to stop the prosecution of Suspect McGill.
AFELL added that it’s unhappy to notice that all through his press briefing Director Coleman didn’t current any logical and authorized clarification of the survivor’s testimony and the medical report within the police possession.
“Nonetheless, we agree with the IG that the survivor is traumatized, and her testimony stays constant regardless of her present traumatic situation. We give a caveat that any try to discredit the Survivors’ testimony has the propensity of silencing victims/survivors of abuse and sexual violence and to derail justice for ladies in Liberia and it’ll not occur below our watch.”
“AFELL is dismayed that the police on this occasion case, the place a Deputy Minister is the alleged perpetrator, has modified the usual for Possible Trigger to arrest an alleged perpetrator for statutory rape to the usual of Proof Past Cheap Doubt as if in a felony trial. Regrettably to the purpose the place the IG in his briefing is presumably the Decide or Jury to find out the innocence or guilt of the accused.
AFELL hails President Joseph N. Boakai for his quick motion to droop and change suspect, Byant McGill as a authorities official. Just like the President has acted in his capability, equally, we anticipate the Police Director Coleman to behave now and instantly arrest suspect, Bryant McGill.
In the meantime, AFELL is asking on the police to rethink taking the survivor to the police station for questioning, as she has cried to AFELL that she is being intimidated by the police steady demand for questioning on the police station when she ought to be in a secure dwelling for emotional stability.
AFELL President Atty. Philomena T. Williams
“Mr. Inspector Common, with all due respect, you aren’t the protection counsel nor the courtroom. Act now and instantly arrest suspect, Bryant McGill. Allow us to collectively shield the rights of the ladies and kids from abuse and violence no matter standing or place. Let Justice Be Accomplished to All. Sufficient Is Sufficient,” the discharge concluded.
