Monrovia—Advocates of the Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence on Monday staged a protest at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police in Monrovia, demanding swift justice in the mysterious death of South African national Toni Jackson.
The campaigners, dressed in black, said their action is part of an ongoing movement to highlight the growing crisis of sexual and domestic violence affecting women and girls across Liberia, including communities such as West Point.
During the sit-in protest, activists cited videos and testimonies circulating online about the circumstances surrounding Toni Jackson’s death, arguing that the case reflects a broader pattern of abuse and intimidation faced by women attempting to leave violent relationships.
The group presented a petition with seven demands to the police, including a speedy and transparent investigation and trial in the case, greater accountability within the justice system, and improved investigative tools for handling gender-based violence cases. They also called for increased government funding for GBV institutions and the creation of safe spaces for women and girls seeking protection.
Receiving the petition, Inspector General Gregory Coleman assured the protesters of the police’s commitment to combating GBV and promised a free, fair, and transparent investigation into Jackson’s death.
He also pledged to forward the petition to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for review.
The case has drawn attention in both Liberia and South Africa, with calls for an impartial investigation to determine the cause of Jackson’s death. Authorities say an autopsy has begun and the results will be made public in the coming days.
