Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Deputy Minister for Youth Growth on the Ministry of Youth and Sports activities, Bryant McGill, following severe allegations linking him to the rape of a 14-year-old woman.
By Willie Tokpah
The Govt Mansion confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, stating that the choice aligns with the federal government’s zero-tolerance coverage on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and is meant to permit for a good and clear investigation.
“This resolution has been taken consistent with the federal government’s zero-tolerance coverage towards all types of sexual and gender-based violence and to make sure a good and clear investigation. Deputy Minister McGill will stay suspended till the conclusion of the investigation,” the assertion stated.
The Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) has been investigating the case since early September however has but to make an arrest. Police officers have described the matter as “delicate” and say they’re nonetheless amassing forensic and corroborative proof. A medical report obtained by the sufferer’s household confirms that the kid was sexually violated.
Talking at a press convention in Monrovia, Inspector Common Gregory Coleman stated police are continuing cautiously to make sure the case is legally sound earlier than making any arrest.
“In contrast to different instances, this one will likely be handled with delicacy,” Coleman stated. “We can’t make an arrest with out enough proof. We’re guaranteeing we fulfill all parameters earlier than taking motion.”
Police confirmed that Deputy Minister McGill, the alleged sufferer, and her father have all been interviewed. Investigators have collected surveillance footage, preserved the sufferer’s clothes for DNA testing, and are reviewing GSM name logs and digital proof. McGill has not been charged however is required to report back to police every day whereas the investigation continues.
Authorities didn’t give a timeline for the completion of the investigation, citing the pending forensic DNA outcomes.
Cllr. Isaac George, Coordinator of the Sexual and Gender-Based mostly Violence Crimes Unit on the Ministry of Justice, acknowledged the case’s high-profile nature and referred to as for warning to keep away from compromising the investigation.
“This case has acquired vital public consideration,” George stated. “We should make sure the integrity of the investigation will not be compromised and that each one authorized requirements are adopted earlier than expenses are filed or any arrest is made.”
Atty. Ebenezer Zonoe, Authorized Crew Lead on the Ministry of Gender, Kids and Social Safety, confirmed that the alleged sufferer is receiving psychosocial help and shelter at a government-run secure residence. He urged the general public to stay calm and permit the authorized course of to take its course.
The case has sparked widespread public backlash, particularly from girls’s rights teams and civil society organizations. On Tuesday, protesters gathered outdoors the Ministry of Justice demanding McGill’s fast arrest and accusing the police of making use of a double normal in dealing with the case.
“We’ve seen bizarre individuals arrested immediately on mere allegations. Why is that this case being handled in a different way?” one protester stated.
The Affiliation of Feminine Legal professionals of Liberia (AFELL) has additionally condemned the delay. In an announcement, AFELL President Cllr. Philomena Williams expressed concern over the police’s inaction regardless of medical proof and public outrage.
“Any particular person discovered trying to intervene or compromise this case will face authorized penalties,” Williams stated. “We’re watching intently, and we won’t tolerate obstruction of justice.”
AFELL reported that when its members visited the police station on September 15, McGill was nonetheless current and never detained, regardless of the seriousness of the costs. The group reiterated its name for McGill’s fast arrest, stressing that statutory rape is a legal offense underneath Liberian regulation and that the regulation doesn’t acknowledge consensual intercourse with a minor.
“The proof is evident, and the regulation is easy,” the assertion learn. “The police should arrest the accused instantly.”
The group additionally referred to as for elevated funding within the SGBV Crimes Unit of the Ministry of Justice, together with extra funding, staffing, and improved infrastructure to help the prosecution of sexual violence instances.
AFELL prolonged sympathy to the sufferer’s household and pledged ongoing authorized help.
“We stand with the household of the younger woman on this difficult time and promise that we are going to not relent till justice is served,” stated Cllr. Williams.
The case has reignited public concern over how Liberia handles sexual violence, significantly when allegations contain politically related people. Activists argue that sluggish or selective enforcement of the regulation discourages victims from reporting and undermines public belief within the justice system.
