The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has issued a strong condemnation of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and its Inspector General, Gregory Coleman, for what it describes as a “deliberate refusal” to arrest former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Bryant McGill, who stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl.
In a press statement released Monday, the leading women’s rights organization expressed grave concern over what it called the “prolonged inaction” of the police, despite the availability of credible evidence, including a medical report and a consistent statement from the survivor.
AFELL Questions Police Justification
Inspector General Coleman, speaking at a recent press briefing, stated that investigators had not yet found “probable cause” to justify McGill’s arrest. He pointed to CCTV footage as a key factor influencing that decision, an explanation AFELL has rejected as “legally flawed and potentially obstructive to justice.”
“The CCTV footage being relied upon by the police is under the direct control of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where the suspect served as Deputy Minister,” AFELL’s statement noted. “This raises serious questions about the authenticity of the footage and whether it has been manipulated.”
AFELL further criticized the police for failing to disclose how they verified the reliability of the footage or its admissibility in a court of law.
‘Changing the Rules for the Powerful’
The group accused the LNP of shifting the legal standard required for arrest, saying the police appear to be applying the higher “proof beyond reasonable doubt” threshold used in trials, rather than the “probable cause” standard applicable at the investigative stage.
“In this case, because the accused is a Deputy Minister, the police have raised the bar in a way that undermines due process,” AFELL stated. “This double standard cannot be tolerated.”
The organization commended President Joseph Boakai for swiftly suspending McGill following the allegations but urged Inspector General Coleman to “match that leadership with decisive action.”
“Like the President has acted in his capacity, we expect the Police Director to act now and immediately arrest suspect Bryant McGill,” the group asserted.
Concerns Over Victim Intimidation
AFELL also condemned the police for repeatedly summoning the survivor to appear for questioning, describing it as “a form of intimidation.”
“The survivor has expressed fear and distress over being called to the police station multiple times,” AFELL said, urging authorities to prioritize her safety and provide a supportive environment instead.
The organization reminded the Inspector General that his role is not to determine guilt or innocence but to uphold the law impartially.
“With all due respect, Mr. Inspector General, you are not the defense counsel nor the court,” AFELL emphasized. “Your duty is to enforce the law and ensure justice is served. Enough is enough.”
Case Sparks National Outrage
Bryant McGill, who was suspended in August, is accused of repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl who reportedly referred to him as “Uncle Bryant.”
The case has reignited national outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections for women and children in Liberia, a country still grappling with widespread sexual and gender-based violence.
AFELL’s statement concluded with a call for transparency, accountability, and justice, warning that failure to act would erode public confidence in the justice system.
“Every delay in this case sends the message that power and status are shields against justice,” the group declared.
“Liberian women will not remain silent.”
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