By: Archie Boan
Feminist activist Vickjune Wutoh, alongside a group of women’s rights campaigners, on Thursday stormed the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) demanding the swift arrest of Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Bryant McGill. McGill stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of the Deputy Chief of Security at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The activists said they could no longer tolerate what they described as “deliberate delays” in handling the case, despite medical reports confirming that the minor was raped. They accused the police of shielding McGill because of his political status.
“If this was an ordinary Liberian, by now he would be behind bars while investigations are ongoing. But because McGill is a government official, the police are hesitating,” Wutoh told reporters outside the LNP headquarters.
In response, LNP authorities said the case remains under investigation. Police officials explained that although medical findings point to rape, more “substantial evidence” is needed before an arrest can be made. They noted that McGill has denied the allegations, and as such, the police are conducting a geo-location probe to determine his whereabouts on the day the incident allegedly occurred.
“The case remains an allegation until proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” the LNP stated, emphasizing that it is being carefully handled to avoid compromising due process.
The activists, however, rejected the police’s position. They argue that countless ordinary Liberians are held in detention on mere accusations, without the benefit of lengthy investigations before arrest.
“Justice must not be selective. There are people in prison right now simply because they were accused. Why should Bryant McGill be treated differently?” one protester asked.
President Joseph Boakai has already suspended McGill from his position pending the outcome of the investigation. But the activists insist suspension is not enough, demanding that he be dismissed and jailed immediately.
The group went further, vowing to take action if the police fail to arrest McGill. “If the LNP cannot arrest him, we will arrest him ourselves and hand him over,” the activists declared.
They also announced plans to return to the streets on Monday if McGill is not placed behind bars.
