Liberia: NCSCL Condemns Mob Violence Against Woman

The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent incident of reported mob violence against a woman in Red Light, Paynesville.

The woman, known as Deddeh, was subjected to brutal flogging by enraged individuals who accused her of theft, although no evidence was provided to support these allegations. Video footage of the incident has widely circulated on social media, and it is evident that the woman did not possess any stolen items.

Despite her pleas for mercy and a fair investigation, the mob continued to assault her. This act of violence has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the prevalence of lawlessness in society.

Explaining her mother’s ordeal on her Facebook page, Tribeau Brown, a daughter of the victim, revealed that their mother had gone to the country’s biggest commercial center to buy the family’s weekly food when she encountered the unfortunate incident.  

According to her, the attack was first started by a group of three boys who attempted to rather steal from her, and that in her resistance, they sudden called the crowd on her, while they sneaked out of the environment. 

“Our mother went to Red Light to buy weekly food and three boys tilled her throughout. They started the conversation by asking her who you voted for? She replied them by saying ‘yor’ better move from here. What kind of question are you asking me? My vote is my secret,” Tribeau Brown, daughter of the victim, narrated. 

“The other boy said if you don’t talk we will beat you and naked you and that’s just what they did. They started calling rogue, rogue on her and within no time, the entire group ran on her and started beating on her without further inquiry,” Tribeau added in tears.  

In response to this distressing incident, the NCSCL, as the leading umbrella organization for civil society groups in Liberia, has issued a statement calling for justice and urging the police to swiftly investigate the matter.

NCSCL Chairperson Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, emphasized the importance of treating this case with utmost urgency and ensuring the identification and apprehension of those responsible for this heinous act.

The NCSCL believes that even if there was an alleged theft; it is essential to address such matters through the proper legal channels, respecting the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals involved.

“Our hearts are broken as lawlessness continues to be the order of the day. This other matter needs to be investigated and must be treated as a matter of urgency. The police need to watch that video and arrest those faces that are clearly identifiable.” 

“Even if we are playing the devil’s advocacy role by agreeing that she stole something, this is a state of law and not man.” 

The organization said it remains deeply saddened by the prevalence of lawlessness and emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change and a stronger commitment to promoting tolerance, respect, and the upholding of laws.

The NCSCL stands in solidarity with the victim and her family, advocating for justice and systemic reforms to prevent such violent acts from recurring in the future.