“Office of the National Fula Governor
Republic of Liberia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 24, 2025
MONROVIA – LIBERIA: Brutal Assault on Muslim Woman by Liberia National Police – A National Disgrace
The Office of the National Fula Governor of the Republic of Liberia is outraged and deeply horrified by a disturbing and inhumane act of violence carried out by officers of the Liberia National Police, as captured in a now-viral video circulating on social media.
In the video, a Muslim woman — clearly identifiable as Zainab Bah of the Fula ethnic group — is seen being beaten, stripped, dragged on the ground, and violently robbed of her hijab, all while carrying her infant child. The vicious assault, carried out in broad daylight and recorded by some community members, shows the woman pleading while officers continue to brutalize her without any regard for her dignity, her religious beliefs, or the safety of her baby.
This act represents not only a complete abuse of power but a direct attack on her fundamental, religious freedom, human dignity in the Republic of Liberia. The woman’s only “offense” was being visibly Muslim.
We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the degrading, shameful, and unlawful actions of the officers involved. Their behavior is not only criminal but a gross violation of the Constitution of Liberia that speaks to the right to religious affiliation, international human rights conventions, and the sacred duty of law enforcement to protect and serve all citizens — not terrorize and humiliate them.
This is not an isolated incident.
While we appreciate and welcome the IG intervention and assurance of justice being served, We hereby demand the following immediate actions:
1. The arrest and prosecution of all officers involved in this incident.
2. A full, independent and inpatient investigation.
3. Immediate suspension of the officers involved, pending legal proceedings.
4. A public apology from the Liberia National Police and the Government of Liberia to the victim, her family, the Muslim community.
5. Institutional reforms to address police brutality, and gender-based violence.
This is not just a Fulani issue — this is a Liberian crisis. Any country that allows its law enforcement agencies to target women, and mothers has failed in its moral and constitutional duty.
We are working closely with the victim’s family, legal counsel, national and international human rights organizations, and religious leaders to ensure that justice is not only demanded but delivered.
We call upon:
The Government of Liberia
Religious and traditional leaders
The Liberian Muslim women network
And every conscience-driven Liberian citizen
To stand against this injustice and ensure this never happens again — to a WOMAN, and not just to a Muslim, or to anyone else in this Republic.
The Office of the National Fula Governor reaffirms its commitment to defending the dignity, rights, and security of all Liberian women and not just a Fulanis in Liberia, and we will pursue every legal, and diplomatic path available until justice is served.
The governor also calls on all institutions and members of the community to remain peaceful while investigation is going on.
We will not be silent.
We will not forget.
We will not stop until justice prevails.
Signed:
Office of the National Fula Governor
Republic of Liberia”
