Liberia: LNBA Calls for Probe in Brutal Attack at Ex Chief Justice Home

The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has condemned the callous and brutal attack on the home of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, which left her niece dead and two others seriously wounded.

The LNBA, which is an umbrella body of lawyers in the country, said in a statement that what happened to the home of Scott, is not acceptable, and” is therefore calling for an independent and neutral investigation as soon as possible.” 

"This is outrageous and a pure act of savagery. The LNBA is utterly dismayed over such a cruel act of violence, which has repeatedly marred the Political landscape and gravely threatens the civil liberty, freedom of expression and association as guaranteed under the 1986 Constitution,” the LNBA said. 

Scott's home was brutally attacked on February 22, a third instance after two previous “robbery attempts” at her Brewerville home.  

The legal body has with immediate effect called on the government to launch a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the incident in order to bring perpetrators to book.

“We called on the government to immediately launch an investigation into these attacks to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the LNBA release said, while warning that this act of savagery and callousness must not be treated as business.

The association said it has observed that these attacks are intended to harass and intimidate prominent citizens and members of the public in the months leading to the upcoming elections and could have a chilling effect throughout the country.

"The LNBA seriously cautions the Liberian Government to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of motivated violence and refrain from all inflammatory actions that could incite similar attacks or deter people from enjoying their civil liberties ahead of the crucial 2023 elections, "the release maintained.

The Bar, therefore, assures all of its commitment to fully cooperate with relevant actors to keep the peace by ensuring that the Liberian democracy is kept afloat. 

"The Liberian government is under obligation by law to protect life and property and must ensure that the needful is done consistent with Article 20 (a) which provides that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provision laid down in the 1986 Constitution in accordance with due process,” the statement said.

Senator Johnosn wants lawmakers bear firearms

In his reaction to the Scott’s home attack incident, Nimba County Senator, Prince Y. Johnson has said that there is a need for lawmakers to bear firearms as a way of protecting themselves.

Johnson on Thursday craved the indulgence of the full plenary of the Liberian Senate to legislate a bill that will give exclusive rights to individual lawmakers to carry Firearms. If passed into law, the bill will allow Senators and Representatives to carry arms to protect themselves and their families.

The Senator’s statement was, however, met with mixed reactions from his colleagues.