Monrovia, Liberia – A grieving mother has accused St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia of negligence following the death of her 20-year-old son, Isaiah Benedicto Williams, during what she says was a routine surgical procedure. Madam Veronica B. Teah, speaking on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, alleged that her son’s death on December 23, 2024, was the result of wrongful medical practices.
Isaiah, an aspiring student set to travel to Rwanda on January 13, 2025, for his studies, died just two days before Christmas. Madam Teah, visibly heartbroken, revealed that hospital staff had assured her the surgery was minor and would be handled with care. “They promised me my son would be fine. I trusted them, but they failed me,” she lamented.
Madam Teah explained that she had considered seeking treatment for her son abroad but was convinced by the hospital’s staff to proceed locally. “They told me there was nothing serious and that he would recover quickly. Just three hours later, they told me my son was gone,” she said, her voice shaking with grief.
The incident has garnered widespread attention, sparking outrage among Liberians. The Williams family is demanding accountability and justice for the loss of their son under questionable circumstances.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph Catholic Hospital has yet to respond to the allegations. The tragic death of Isaiah Williams has left his family devastated, mourning the loss of their only child, while raising serious concerns about the quality of care provided by one of Liberia’s leading healthcare institutions.
Boakai Administration Accused of Suppressing Political Opponents
By Socrates Smythe Saywon
Monrovia, Liberia – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused President Joseph Boakai’s administration of employing oppressive tactics to stifle dissent and intimidate political opponents. In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo alleged that the Unity Party-led government is orchestrating a campaign of harassment, unlawful arrests, and human rights violations reminiscent of Liberia’s troubled past.
The CDC claims that the government is operating an “arrest-to-kill” strategy, with detainees being held in undisclosed locations under inhumane conditions. Among those reportedly targeted are Eric Susay, James Weah, and Andrew Sleh Lawson, whose legal representatives have filed a writ of habeas corpus demanding their immediate production and release.
The opposition party alleges that these incidents are part of a broader effort to silence critics and suppress peaceful dissent. It cited alleged cases of excessive force used against demonstrators and mysterious deaths, including two fatalities in Lofa County, as evidence of the administration’s failure to protect citizens’ rights and safety.
Additionally, the CDC accused the government of engaging in practices reminiscent of past regimes, claiming that detainees have been handed over to foreign entities in exchange for material gains. These actions, according to the CDC, undermine Liberia’s democratic foundation and erode public trust.
The party has called for the immediate release of all individuals it considers unlawfully detained and demanded thorough investigations into recent mysterious deaths. The CDC emphasized its commitment to defending democratic freedoms, including free speech and peaceful assembly, and vowed to use legal and political means to challenge the government’s alleged actions.
As strains rise, the CDC urged Liberians to stand united in defending democracy and holding the government accountable for its actions. It also called on the Boakai administration to prioritize transparency and respect for fundamental human rights to ensure a just and democratic Liberia.
