By Archie Boan
A Liberian human rights defender Titus Pakalah has issued a strong call for urgent government action following allegations of rape against Mr. J. Bryant McGill, Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The activist described the incident as a “deeply troubling alleged rape” of a 14-year-old child, warning that the case threatens to erode public trust in government institutions and undermine Liberia’s fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
“No individual should ever be subjected to sexual violence, least of all children. When public officials are implicated in such acts, it weakens the nation’s resolve to uphold justice and human rights,” the statement read.
Pakalah criticized Mr. McGill’s reported request for a leave of absence, calling it inadequate and an attempt to downplay the severity of the allegation. The Ministry of Gender was also faulted for allegedly convening a meeting between the survivor’s father and Mr. McGill despite preliminary police and medical reports confirming the child was raped.
“The medical report has already confirmed that this 14-year-old survivor was raped. This fact cannot be negotiated, mediated, or minimized,” the statement emphasized.
The activist outlined several demands to the government of Liberia, including:
• Immediate dismissal of Deputy Minister McGill for allegedly attempting to interfere with the investigation.
• Full protection for the survivor and her father.
• Swift transfer of the case to the judiciary for impartial prosecution.
• A nationwide review of safeguarding policies in public institutions to prevent future abuse.
His statement further issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to forward the case to court or face mass public demonstrations.
“Liberia cannot afford half measures in the fight against sexual violence. Justice must be seen and felt, not only for this survivor, but for all survivors who continue to endure trauma in silence,” the activist declared.
The Government of Liberia has not yet issued an official response to the demands.
