Suspended Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) Commissioner and Counselor-at-Law T. Dempster Brown has formally petitioned Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Sr., alleging that his office was forcibly entered while he remains under indefinite suspension pending an investigation.
In a letter dated July 8, 2026, Brown claimed that Commissioner Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh forcibly entered his office at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 8 without explanation. He further alleged that later that evening, around 8:00 p.m., Commissioner Fahnbulleh returned to the office after working hours and searched through documents and other materials.
Brown stated that since receiving his suspension notice from the Office of the President, he has neither entered his office nor handled any official or personal property, adding that he is unaware of the reason for the alleged search.
The suspended commissioner also alleged that Commissioner Fahnbulleh has repeatedly referenced his relationship with senior officials at the Executive Mansion, including the Legal Advisor, Cllr. Bushuben Keita, and Press Secretary Kula Fofana. Brown argued that such relationships should not be used to justify actions that undermine the rule of law or the independence of the Commission.
Additionally, Brown alleged that on July 7, Commissioner Fahnbulleh ordered the deployment of armed officers of the Liberia National Police at the INCHR headquarters, a move he said created fear among staff and visitors.
He warned that the alleged developments could undermine the credibility and independence of the INCHR, noting that the Commission holds “A” status accreditation under the Paris Principles. According to Brown, actions that compromise the Commission’s independence could place that accreditation at risk.
Brown has appealed to Justice Minister Tweh to intervene promptly to protect what he described as the sanctity and independence of the Commission while the ongoing investigation continues.
As of publication, Commissioner Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh, the Ministry of Justice, and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights have not publicly responded to the allegations contained in Brown’s letter.
