The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has issued a strong statement condemning misogynistic verbal abuse and calling for equal accountability under the law following contempt proceedings against Mr. Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, widely known as “Prophet Key.”
The case has drawn significant public attention after Liberia’s highest court, the Supreme Court of Liberia, found Yeazehn guilty of contempt and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment.
According to public reports, the Court acted in response to repeated social media attacks and insulting remarks directed at the Chief Justice and his mother, as well as allegations questioning the integrity of the judiciary.
Yeazehn reportedly appeared before the bench, admitted wrongdoing, and was subsequently convicted.
In its statement, WONGOSOL expressed “deep concern” over what it described as a growing culture of verbal abuse and misogynistic attacks against women in public and private life.
The organization emphasized that such conduct extends beyond personal insult and carries broader social consequences.
“When public platforms are used to degrade women, ridicule them, intimidate them, or turn insults into entertainment, such conduct normalizes violence and erodes the moral and social fabric of our nation. This behavior is not ‘just talk,” the statement noted.
The group argued that unchecked verbal abuse, particularly online, can incite threats, stigmatize women in leadership, silence participation in public life, and negatively shape young people’s perceptions—especially boys who may internalize harassment as acceptable behavior.
While the matter has attracted national attention because it involves senior judicial officials, WONGOSOL stressed that accountability must not be selective.
It noted that the Chief Justice and Associate Justices were in a position to seek legal redress, unlike many ordinary Liberian women who lack access to justice when subjected to similar abuse.
“This case should serve as an important lesson for the nation,” the organization said, calling for equal protection under the law for all women and girls, regardless of status.
WONGOSOL reaffirmed its support for the rule of law and urged respect for judicial processes, while also emphasizing constitutional protections. Citing the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, the group underscored that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, individuals are fully responsible for the abuse of that right, and such freedom may be limited where it infringes upon the rights and reputations of others.
The organization also referenced Liberia’s domestic legal framework, which recognizes emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse—including harassment through electronic means—as harmful conduct with serious consequences.
Looking ahead, WONGOSOL called for strengthened national responses to online violence, including improved reporting mechanisms, stronger enforcement, and public education on responsible speech and digital citizenship.
It also advocated for expanded survivor-centered services, including psychosocial support for women and girls subjected to sustained verbal abuse.
“This moment must serve as a deterrent to all who believe they can assault women’s dignity and attack institutions without consequence,” the statement said. “Public abuse is not a badge of courage but misconduct with real legal and social consequences.”
Founded as a national umbrella organization comprising more than 250 women-led and women-focused civil society organizations across Liberia’s fifteen counties, WONGOSOL works to promote gender equality, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and the protection of women and girls from violence and discrimination.
The statement was signed by Esther S. Davis Yango, Executive Director of WONGOSOL.
