Table of Content
Page
Program Coordinator Message
3
Introduction
4
Program Activities
4-7
NED
FGHR
UNVFVT
IRCT
GFC
General Activities
RAL Coordinator attends one week training in Ghana
Kvinna till Kvinna Country Representative visits RAL Offices
UNMIL SEEK Partnership with RAL
One day meeting held by Network of Prison and Judicial Monitor-Liberia
RAL’s Finance Officer Attends Women Conference
Human Rights Situation in Liberia
Police unprofessional behavior
Immigration Officers unprofessional Attitude:
AFL brutality
EPS brutality
DEA Brutality
Harsh Prison Condition
Rape Cases
Journalist Henry Costa arrested
Media/Publicity
Constraints/Challenges
Recommendations
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4-5
6-18
19-21
19
19
Program Coordinator Message
Let me first of all give thanks and appreciation to the almighty
God who made things possible that led to the production of this
annual report. My sincere thanks go to all dedicated staff and
members of the Board of Directors for their contributions and
tireless efforts that contributed to the growth and development of
RAL during the year under review. Also let me congratulate,
appreciate and recognize the meaningful contributions of our
donor partners including the National Endowment for Democracy
(NED), United Nations Volunteering Fund for Victims of Torture
(UNVFVT), International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), Fund for
Global Human Rights (FGHR), and Global Fund for Children (GFC) that provided the
necessary funding to RAL.
Also let me recognize the commitment of our networks members for providing
opportunities that built staff capacities through invitations extended to RAL to participate
in regional and international conferences, workshops and meetings. The network
members include; The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty; International
Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) and the West Africa Human Rights
Defenders Networks. I must also commend the Government of Liberia for providing
conducive environment for civil society organizations to operate in the country without
security intimidation and /or harassment.
The year 2015 marked RAL’s 21th year of existence since the organization began its
advocacy and program activities that are geared towards improving the country human
rights landscape.
I want to use this opportunity to appeal to members of the National Legislature to fast
track the passage into law the Anti-Torture Bill that was submitted to the body five (5)
years ago by RAL and other civil society organizations, and the death penalty abolition
Bills. The two bills seek to criminalize torture and abolish death penalty under the law of
Liberia as these are not good things to practice. The passage of the bills into law will
also be in fulfillment of Liberia commitment to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
recommendations accepted by the Government to abolish torture and death penalty.
During the year under review, RAL carried out program and general activities including
holding of community forums, workshops, meetings, trainings among others. All these
activities are geared towards promoting human rights, rule of law and improved security.
Thank you.
Sam M. Nimely
Program Coordinator
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Introduction
This year annual report is a result of the Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) commitment
to inform the general public and the international community on the activities undertaken
by the organization during the year under review. The production of the annual report is
also one of the organization major activities through which its donor partners and the
general public can be informed on the group general activities.
The report catalogued all activities of RAL including national, regional and international
conferences, meetings, workshops attended. Also in this report are updates on prison
monitoring exercises conducted, follow up on human rights violations and abuses
reported in the electronic and print media, workshops and community policing forums
organized among others.
The report contained RAL observations on issues that are contributing to human rights
abuses and violations, and recommendations intended to address those issues
identified for the benefit of the country and its people.
Program Activities
During the year 2015, RAL undertook series of program activities in Bomi, Bong and
Montserrado Counties. These programs are the result of funding received from our
partners including National Endowment for Democracy (NED), United Nations Voluntary
Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT), International Rehabilitation Council for Torture
Victims (IRCT), Fund for Global Human Rights (FGHR) and Global Fund for Children
(GFC).
NED
Under the NED program, RAL organized and conducted
workshops and forums to bring together community residents
and law enforcement officers to discuss their differences which
soured the relationship between both
parties as the law enforcement officers
need the support of community
residents in the effective protection of
lives and properties in various communities.
FGHR
Activities under the FGHR program considered lobbying with
law makers at the National Legislature for the passage of the anti-torture bill before
them; organized and conducted forum for different sectors of law enforcement officers
to strategize on how they can coordinate their activities and how best they can
professionalize their duties in the protection of lives and properties and human rights in
order to regain the trust of community residents.
UNVFVT
Under this activity, RAL carried out holistic rehabilitation of torture victims in New Kru
Town where the torture rehabilitation center is located.
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The activities include medical, counseling, social serving and the provision of life skills
trainings to empower clients so that after they are discharged, they would enquire skills
for self reliance.
IRCT
The Centre Support Grant built more trust or concretized the relationship between local
authorities and RAL on one hand and the national government on the other hand as a result of
the work RAL is doing in the country relative to holistic rehabilitation of torture victims. As for the
beneficiaries, the different the grant has made is physical improvement in their lives including
reduction of trauma which eased their mental tension. Beneficiaries are now contributing to
development in their respective communities due to their productivity both in private and public
lives.
GFC
The Global Fund for Children presidential award received by the Rescue Alternatives
Liberia went towards contributing to educational empowerment of disadvantaged
teenage boys and girls in rural Montserrado County. The award enabled these boys and
girls to end their 2014-2015 academic calendar year as they were able to pay their
balance school fees.
General Activities
RAL Coordinator attends one week training in Ghana
On August 16, 2015, the coordinator of Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL), Mr. Sam
Nimely traveled to Accra, Ghana to participate in one week training on RISK
Assessment and Security Management Training
The training was organized by the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Networks and
brought together human rights defenders in Africa. The training took place in the
Conference Hall of Charleston Hotel, Accra, Ghana.
Kvinna till Kvinna Country Representative visits RAL Offices
On October 9, 2015, the Country Representative of Kvinna till Kvinna visited the offices
of Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) and held discussion with the Program Coordinator,
Mr. Sam M. Nimely and Finance Officer, Ms. Georgia K. Moore.
Discussions held with the RAL’s executives were centered on establishment of
partnership with the RAL and the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders
(LICHRD). Among other things, the discussions considered the promotion and
protection of the rights of women including their rights to participation in decision making
both at the national and local levels.
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UNMIL SEEK Partnership with RAL
As Rescue Alternatives Liberia produced and distributed its prison report from across
the country, UNMIL Human Rights and Protection Section had expressed its wiliness to
work and collaborate with RAL in its area of work.
In a communication dated February 11, 2015 and received by RAL’s Program
Coordinator Mr. Sam N. Nimely on February 12, 2015 UNMIL/HRPS praised the work of
RAL.
RAL’s Program Associate Attends one day meeting held by Network of Prison
and Judicial Monitors-Liberia
On January 23, 2015, the Network of Prison and Judicial monitors-Liberia of which RAL
is a member, conducted a one day meeting discussing some issues that are to be taken
into consideration, in monitoring prison and the judicial system. RAL was represented at
this meeting by its Program Associate, Otis Koon.
During the meeting, the issue of corruption in the court and deplorable conditions in
prisons couple with abuse and violation of prisoners’ rights were discussed. Among
other things, the meeting provided an updates on prison facilities around the country.
The highlighted the deplorable conditions of all prisons in the country and the lack of
proper care for detainees/prisoners. Also the meeting provided the below prison
statistics
New Prison:
Gbarpolu
Rivercess
Fish town
Prison with Clinic:
MCP
Buchanan
Gbarnga
Detention Center
Robert sport
Sinoe
Boundiway
RAL’s Finance Officer Attends Women Conference
The finance officer of the Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) attended a one day
conference on strategy to unit women of Liberia and empowers them. The conference
brought together Women from various women driven organizations and communities.
At the conference, women brainstormed on strategy to unit women and how best they
can assist each other to economically, socially and politically empower themselves.
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Human Rights Situation in Liberia
Security unprofessional attitudes:
Police
Police Extortion at SKD Boulevard
Police extortion and other corrupt acts have been discovered by RAL’s Human Rights
Monitors at the SKD Boulevard junction in Congo Town.
At the SKD Boulevard Junction, Police have turned their job into a regular money
collection venture from drivers, mainly commercial drivers who used the route.
On a daily basis, the police stopped and packed vehicles on the main road to take bride
from drivers that may not have proper document, or may have committed traffic offense.
Whenever the issue is grave and needs more conversation with huge amount involve in
the bribery, the police officer assigned at the junction would take the driver to a booth
for further negotiation on a specific amount.
A driver pleaded to RAL’s monitor that his name and plate number should not be
mentioned, narrated that while transporting planks in a pickup, a police officer
unexpectedly jump in front of the car and demanded him to stop, and because he did
not stop abruptly, the police said it was an attempt by the driver to hit him (officer). For
that reason, his driver license was taken away and was asked to pay a thousand
Liberian dollar, or he would be issued seventy-five United States dollars ticket. He said
for fear of the seventy five United States Dollars, he gave six hundred Liberian dollars
while his driver license remained with the officer until he pays the balance four hundred.
February 25, 2015
Police Chief in Trouble (Cited For Gross Abuses)
Members of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday mandated the committee on
National security to summon Col. Abraham B. Kromah, Deputy Police Director (102) to
explain circumstances of persistent gross human rights violations.
Their decisions follow a communication written to the house plenary inviting Col. AB
Kromah to show reason why he allegedly brook the two legs of motorcyclist victor
Johnson on the spot.
Citizens including motorcyclists have on several occasions accused Col. AB Kromah of
constant harassment and gross abuse of their rights in the country. It is also reported
that the police Deputy Chief, who is also accused of community atrocities during his
alleged role in the 14 years civil war that ravaged the country is in the constant habit of
abusing the rights of citizens with impunity.
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Accident Victim in Agony
A victim of Deputy Police Director, AB Kromah action in a recent road traffic accident is
said to be in serious agony at his residence. Mr. Victor Johnson hit by the official vehicle
assigned to Director Kromah on February 15, 2015, said he is feeling pain in his back
as a result of the accident.
Col. Kromah had earlier denied that his assigned vehicle RL 102 hit Mr. Johnson.
However, in recent times, the deputy police director appeared on a local radio talk show
in which he said he wanted to clear his name, but declined to accept claim that his
vehicle was involved in the hit.
Police fired at citizen again
Officers of the Liberia National Police have been accused of loosely opening fire on
peace citizens leading to one person sustaining severe injury in the mount Barclay
Community outside Monrovia. The shooting is said to have been carried out by heavily
armed officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) in a pick-up marked PSU-3.
Residents, mainly coal sellers stormed the headquarters of the LNP in Monrovia and
demanded justice over the issue. They said the shooting was triggered by their refusal
to give in to the officers’ demand for money and other valuable items. Victim Martin
Clarke who is believe to have a bullet in his foot said, on many occasions they have
been harassed and compelled to give money and other valuable items to the officers as
precondition for them to carry out normal coal business in the area.
Another motorcycle operator’s violence averted
-as man die from alleged police brutality
Angry motorcyclists had gathered in their numbers at the home of one of their
colleagues, who according to them, died on Monday night after he was allegedly
arrested and brutalized by two police officers assigned at the LNP zone 6 Detachment
in district #17. The leader of the group told RAL’ monitors that they do not have trust in
the police. They called on the Government of Liberia to investigate the death of their
colleagues.
2 officers under investigation
In Harper, Maryland County, two police officers of the Liberia National Police have been
arrested and are undergoing investigation for their alleged involvement in the rape of a
16 years old girl. The two officers are inspector Allen Kpankor and Patrolman Anthony
Nyumah of the Maryland county police department.
The victim, a resident of the airfield community in Harper, was allegedly sexually
assaulted while she was being detained in a police holding cell for reportedly US$
3,000.00 and LD$ 83,000.00 from her mother on May 4, 2015. But, shockingly,
according to the report, after the regular visiting hour, a civilian man name Jerome
Williams who had gone to visit the two police officers, entered the holding cell and
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forcibly abused the child. The two officers were arrested due to their failure to protect
the girl in detention.
Police authority confirms human rights report
Accepts blames for police’ brutality
The Liberian National Police has concurred with the 2014 Human Rights Situation
Report of the Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) with caption “A close look at police
Behavior”.
Serving as proxy for Police Director, Col. Chris Massaquoi at a daylong community
policing forum organized by RAL in the Township of New Kru Town on Wednesday,
May 13, 2015, the head of community services Section of the LNP, Chief inspector H.
Blanyon Himmie who graded the report as credible said, the LNP was responsible for all
police brutalities against peaceful citizens.
According to the LNP executive, although the LNP is responsible for civilian’s brutalities,
the civilians must also know their responsibilities in helping the police to combat crimes
in their communities.
Rights group report details police abuses
The Liberia National Police remain unethical in the discharge of its duties to protect lives
and properties. They show brutal, destructive, abusive attributes and are mostly the
gross violators of the rights of people, a local Human Rights Group has said in it 2014
report released on Wednesday May 13, 2015.
RAL has described as worsening (the level of) Human Right violations by security
actors especially the police against civilian. This startling allegation was contained in its
report entitled Human Right Situation Report 2014, “A close look at police behavior”.
The report launch ceremony brought together police officers and community dwellers. It
was held in the Borough of new Kru town.
Police put family under gun point
Cell phones, cash other valuable missing
The family of Africano H. Freeman is calling on the government to at least consider an
immediate investigation into the recent damages caused by the police at their residence
in Barnwersville. According to a complaint from the family of Africano, the Police
recently barricaded their home, tortured them and made away some personal
belongings.
It can be recalled in 2003 Africano H. Freeman and nine others were involved in a 4.4
million financial scanner at the First Internal Bank (FIB) and since then the case has
been assigned.
Sando Nyumah, sister to the wife of Africano Freeman stated that the police visit at
their home was characterized by brutality, mayhem, and tortured of the children. She
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stated, “They put us in mini cell, hand cuffed me and my little sister and tied together the
clothes of my little two siblings and burst in our house, taking away belongings including
mobile phones and cash”.
Six police officers indicted for manslaughter
Six police officers from the Police Support Unit (PSU) have been indicted for
manslaughter. Officers David Kennedy, Julius Mayers, Edward Hoff, Otis Ross,
Rudolph Clinton and Wilbur Weowon were accused of beating a civilian man at the
ELWA junction that led to his death.
According to a two page indictment on September 27, 2014, while on duty to protect life
and property at the ELWA junction, they allegedly took sticks, planks and batons and
beat on the man. As a result of the officers’ action, the diseased fell to the ground,
collapsed, became unconscious, bled profusely and later died.
The death of the man sparked civil disobedience in October 2014, at the ELWA
junction, where some businesses were vandalized leading to the arrest of several
persons. The deceased, according to some marketers, was a driver and had come in
contact with the six police officers in the early morning of October 9, 2014.
Police brutalized teacher
Police officers assigned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, August 18, 2015,
brutalized a group of teachers who had assembled peacefully at the entrance of the
Foreign Ministry carrying placards to call the attention of the President of Liberia;
Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf regarding money owned them by the government of
Liberia.
The teachers under the banned: Concerned Private School Teachers Association
(CPSTA) complained that US$ 3million reportedly provided by the World Bank to assist
all private school teachers who were on job and were not receiving salary during the
outbreak of the Ebola Virus in the country. According to them, since the money was
given to the government, it has made no effort in ensuring that the money is paid to
those it is intended for.
PSU officers linked to shooting
Officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) assigned at Mount Barclay rubber farm have
been linked to a shooting that took the life of a motorcyclist who ran commercial
services within the area. The police officers have been accused by Mount Barclay
residents of shooting at a young man early Monday morning, on August 31, 2015, after
he had used the rubber farm route while coming from Fendell community.
According to eyewitnesses talked to, the motorcyclist was fired from the back with the
bullet penetrating his stomach leading to profuse bleeding.
P a g e | 10
Torture in police cell
Aaron Lackay, the defense team first witness being tried for his alleged role in spilling
gasoline on inspector Amos Tutu of the Police Support Unit (PSU), and setting him
ablaze thereby killing him instantly. Lackay said he was on trial because he was then
the chairman of the gas seller association on the Capitol Bye-Pass where the incident
took place.
According Lackay, he was arrested by officers of the Liberia National Police in Gbarnga,
Bong County, where he had gone to visit his mother when the incident occurred in
Monrovia. Lackay and four others are facing murder charges for their alleged individual
role in the burning to death of Police Inspector Tutu on August 27, 2010.
Tutu was accused of shooting to death one Preston Davis, which reportedly incited a
mob action by angry resident who over powered Tutu, spilled gasoline on him and set
him ablaze leading to his death.
However, Lackay claimed that after he was arrested, he was beaten and tortured by
police officers right before the eye of his family. He stated, there were several police
officers whose names I cannot remember, but among them, I can remember the name
Augustine Mehn, who pleaded with his colleagues to eliminate me because I was a
dangerous person.
They held him handcuffed from the SKT community near Gbarnga until they arrived at
the Headquarter of LNP, where he was dragged upon arrival there until the office of the
Criminal investigation Division of the LNP. He said their action was to make him confess
that he was among those that burnt officer Tutu to death. But with all the treatments he
received from the police, he stated he had no knowledge on the killing. Again, he said
they pepper sprayed him and used their electronic batons to force him to confess.
Besides that, he stated that they sat him in a chair in cuffed with his hand behind to say
something about his colleague death.
Security officer brutalize man 24
Timothy Bangura, age 24, has been allegedly brutalized by officers of the Liberia
National Police (LNP) and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in the Borough of New Kru
Town, precisely in the Point Four community.
The victim, Timothy Bangura claimed that he was brutalized based on complaint filed by
a Nigerian Businessman, identified as Mr. Alhaji. Narrating his ordeal, Timothy told
RAL’s monitors that he sometimes ago entered into an agreement with the Nigerian
Merchant to sell for him with the understanding of paying him the amount of 250LD
daily.
From his hospital bed at the Stockton Creek Clinic, he said the business man owned
him the amount of LD$41,250.00, a situation that led him encountering some difficulties
at home.
P a g e | 11
“I took 7,000LD including a laptop from my boss (the Nigerian man), with the
understanding to return them at a later date, but his boss man complained him to the
two officers.
As a result of the allegation made against him, the two security officers maltreated him.
He further claimed that the two security officers were paid some unspecified sum of
money as a result; he was manhandled and beaten mercilessly. He identified the police
office as Filex Sunny Boy Smith, commonly known as R11 who assigned at the Zone
one Police station on the Bushrod Island, and the AFL officer was identified as Spear.
Girl dies in police cell
A girl detained at Zone Six police depot one in the Hotel Africa Community reportedly
hanged herself in the cell. But her mother alleges she was killed by police officers.
Victoria Zayzay, 20, was placed behind bar Tuesday evening for allegedly assaulting
another woman whom she (deceased) was said to be indebted to.
Zayzay reportedly died by hanging herself few hours her detention for reason
unexplained. According to report confirmed by police spokesman Sam Collins, officers
on duty at the depot took Zayzay’s corpse to a nearby clinic minute after the incidence,
but nurses on duty reportedly directed the police officer to Redemption Hospital, where
she was pronounced dead.
The police spokesman Sam Collins confirmed that the girl died in the cell when he was
contacted. According to him, officers found a lapper around her neck, an indication that
she might have hanged herself.
The mother of the deceased explained that she went to the depot commander and told
him that she wanted to stand her daughter bond to bring her back on Wednesday. “He
said no, this girl is not going home. She will sleep here, I will detain her because she
has problem”.
She said, to her ultimate surprise, earlier Wednesday morning at about 6:00AM, she
heard a knock to her door only to know that it was some police officers and a neighbor
who told her that her daughter hanged herself in the cell with her lapper. She also
stated that it was surprising that they took her daughter to hospital without her concern,
stressing that she do not believe that her daughter did that to herself.
“Police sexually abused my daughter and strangulates her to death
A 21 years old female who was detained by officers of the Liberian National Police
(LNP) was recently discovered dead in police cell in Virginia, outside Monrovia.
According to Police report, the late Bendu Zayzay who was a detainee hanged herself
in police cell, but the father of the deceased, Rufus Zayzay has rejected police claims
that his daughter will never kill herself. He accused the police of strangulating his
daughter to death after she was sexually abused by police officers on duty at night.
P a g e | 12
The late Bendu father noted that his daughter was accused of wasting someone’s
market, an accusation that led to her being detained. He said when she was taken to
the depot he attempted filing in a bond of 1500.00LD to release his daughter to return
the next day (Wednesday), but the police on duty rejected the amount on ground that
the complainant was not present at the police depot. He said he went home along with
his family to return the next morning. He said unfortunately for him, he received a call
from an unknown number stating that his daughter was lying dead at the Redemption
Hospital.
Babies being arrested, tortured, state securities accused
States securities personnel have been accused of indiscriminately chasing, arresting
and torturing peaceful citizens of Butaw District in Sinoe County, including pregnant
women, and babies following the May 26 violence and vandalizing the premises of the
oil-palm concession, Golden Veroleum.
A statement from the citizens indicated that 28 youths were arrested and incarcerated,
while seven of them who were reluctantly released, have revealed tales of torture and
rights violations being faced by their compatriots.
Immigration Officers unprofessional Attitude:
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
BIN officers caught pants down
A Lebanese National On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, complained two officers of the
Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization of extortion in central Monrovia.
The Lebanese businessman in Monrovia, Hassan Helshall, owner of the vita company
was a victim of broad day extortion. According to Helshall, he was arrested for loitering
the street without legal document at the interception of Randall and Gurley Street by two
unidentified BIN officer in brown uniform. They demanded the Lebanese business man
give them USD250.00 to process his documents or be put to jail. But according to him,
he told the two officers to carry him to the immigration office which they refused to do.
AFL brutality
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
AFL Officers brutalized a man
A 21 year old man identified as Sumo Ballah was late Sunday evening brutalized by
four officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia on ground that sumo hits their vehicle with
his hand. Sumo explained his ordeal that he was pick-up at about 7: 49PM by the four
AFL officers in Sinkor, 9th Street; they carried him behind the BTC Military barrack near
the Atlantic Ocean where they brutalized him.
Monday, JUNE 8, 2015
EPS Brutality
P a g e | 13
Officers of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), the institution responsible to provide
part excellent security guard services for the Liberia presidency and those associated
thereto, on Friday, June 5, 2015. Upon resuming normal official assignment of the
government of Liberia, inspector of the Ministry of Transport assigned in the field to
carry out vehicle inspection began his routine inspection work when the ministry’s
assistant Director for inspection encountered very ruthless officers of the EPS.
The transport Inspector, Abraham Johnson explained that after he asked the driver of
an unlicensed vehicle that belong to the fiancée of the Director of the EPS, Mr. Frank
Nyenkan and asked for the relevant document for the vehicle including vehicle
registration, insurance sticker and driver license, the driver produced fake license which
prompted the parking of the car. After the driver made some calls, a vehicle belonging
to EPS drove on the scene at which time some officers disembarked in a rather hostile
manner requesting the one who parked the vehicle. When the Transport worker was
identified, the officers immediately air lifted Mr. Johnson and accordingly starting to
brutalize him in the presence of other staffs and by-standers.
DEA Brutality
Darlington Wreh died after he was allegedly arrested and flogged by Drugs
Enforcement Agency officers, reportedly acting on the order of one Isaac Karnah, who
is said to be Deputy County Commander in the area.
The deceased (Darlington Wreh) who has been sick for more than two months was
allegedly ordered arrested and brought out of his sick abode and allegedly flogged by
DEA as soon as they entered the area. In the process Darlington died and the DEA
officers were arrested and sent to court and later charged by the fish town magisterial
court in River Gee County, Senator Matthew Jaye narrated ad indicated that nine of
them were charged with murdered, while Isaac who is the main perpetrator was
charged for criminal facilitation by the County Attorney Wesseh A. Wesseh.
Armed Robbers Attacked RAL’s Program Coordinator
Heavily armed men have attacked the home of the head of the Rescue Alternatives Liberia
(RAL), Sam Nimely and threatened to wipe him out along with his family if he reports the
incident to authority of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The arm robbers forcibly broke into his house while he and his family were asleep and made
away with sensitive documents including some valuable items.
Armed Robbers Attacked RAL’s Policy Consultant
The home of the Policy Consultant of the Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL), Jarwlee T.
Geegbe has been attacked by some men believed to be arm robbers, although nobody was
harmed during the attack.
P a g e | 14
The wife of Mr. Geegbe, Florence Geegbe, told reporters at her Brewerville residence on April
12, 2015 that the alleged marauding armed robbers also threatened to returned with a deadly
approached that may lead the entire household with a bitter regret.
Madam Geegbe added that since her husband left the country for the United States, strange
men have been appearing at their residence day and night, something which according to her
has been reported to the police, especially Zone 6 in Brewerville community.
Prior to the departure of Mr. Geegbe, strange or unknown men had hunted him on several
occasions by sending death threat messages to his mobile phone. He was attacked in 2014 at
night while returning from work on the VOA Road in Brewerville where he and his family lived
before his departure to the United States.
Harsh Prison Condition
The current condition of the Monrovia Central Prison, particularly known as south
beach, has been described by the Minister of Justice who is also Attorney General of
Liberia, Cllr. Benedict Sannoh, as worse than the era of the 1990s.
Built to accommodate about 361 inmates, the MCP currently holds over 985 inmates, 84
percent are pretrial detainees who have overstayed the statutory period of two court
terms.
According to Minister Sannoh, the South Beach prison represents stagnation for those
of us who used to come over here over a period of time. This prison is just as it was in
1998. The prison does not have an ambulance that could convey an inmate to the
nearest hospital, Minister Sannoh stated.
Testimony of a freed prisoner
A 30-year old man, who was sentence for 4 years on charge of armed robbery and set
free after serving his term, gave a starlet revelation on the situation in the Monrovia
Central Prison. The man who was sentenced in 2010 and released on December 31,
2014, walked into the offices of Rescue Alternatives Liberia where he made the
revelation.
The man revealed that there are many persons in the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP)
without any record of transfer or charge as he made reference to one George Weah
who is at the MCP without any record.
He also mentioned several forms of degrading and/or inhumane treatments of inmates
at (MCP). He furthered that inmates only eat one time a day and the food provided is
not sufficient and properly prepared. He also talked about the poor condition in the
prison including lack of ventilation, water facility and beddings. He made mentioned of
overcrowding at the MCP and referenced to block D which is very small and still
accommodating up to 40 inmates.
At the Monrovia Central Prison, Inmates are suffering from skin diseases that usually
take over their private parts as a result of not having access to water for bath. According
P a g e | 15
to him, only those inmates whose parents offer bribe to correction officers are the ones
who are allowed to have a sun bath and also taken to hospital when they are sick. He
mentioned the name of one Kwame Arkapou who got very sick and the prison
authorities never pay attention to him until the inmates raised serious tension that cause
correction officers to get him out but was never treated and taken back in the cell before
his death in the cell. Furthermore, he said one of their colleagues hung himself due to
some of the maltreatment they are going through.
Moreover he mentioned the increase of soldomy at the MCP, to be specific the “MC
block”. He stated that the prison authorities, especially correction officers are aware of
this ugly practice and are doing nothing to put stop to it thereby damaging young people
in the cells. He said those who engaged in this act are people whose parents supplying
them with money and/or food. He further said overcrowding of the cells is mainly
contributing to this practice.
Additionally, he mentioned Block D cell as one of the cells in the prison that is
contributing to eye problem faced by most inmates due to darkness in the cell.
Several Children Detained
The acting Assistant Minister for Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) at the
Ministry of Justice said despite efforts made by Child Welfare Institutions including the
child Justice Section at the Ministry to prevent children coming in conflict with the law,
there are some young people who committing crime in their communities. He said there
are several juveniles that are currently detained at the deplorable Monrovia Central
Prison (MCP) awaiting court trial, meaning that they will be prosecuted in line with
normal court proceeding as it is done in other cases involving people above 18 years.
Rape Cases:
Man, 25, Behind Bars for raping 6-year old girl
A 25 years old man has been detained at the MCP for allegedly raping a 6-year old girl
in the Saye Town Community in Sinkor, Monrovia. The police charge sheet divulged
that suspect Gray allegedly raped the little girl in his room in Saye Town on September
24, 2015 after the victim brought his food which he (Gray) had sent her to buy.
However, the charged sheet added that suspect Gray admitted committing the crime
during the police investigation.
Administrators Gang Raped Ebola Orphan at Orphanage Home
A Director and an administrator at the Fatima Cottage in Dexville, Montserrado County
are accused for raping an Ebola orphan on separate dates and times in their home on
the mission.
One of the suspects, Charles Young has already been arrested while the other is said to
be on the run.
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Medical reports released by authority at the Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town
revealed that the orphan, who has been on the Fatima Collage Mission for the past
fifteen (15) years, was raped by her caretaker.
Girl 14, Sexually Abused in the 72ND Community
A 14 year old girl, Kumba Cooper of the 72nd community was allegedly raped by Jayso
and Queso on July 15, 2015. The girl father, Mr. Abraham Cooper who is also a
resident of the community complained that his daughter was raped by the two boys
(Jayso and Queso).
According to him, the boys called his daughter to have a conversation with her and in
that process, she was asked to go with them at their residence to get some food to eat.
He said when the girl saw that it was getting late she requested to go home. But they
put her in their room and the two of them started having sex with her, and she cried but
they couldn’t listen. The victim told the Children Protection in the court that they kept
scratching her body in the process
.
Man, 40 Sent to Jailed for rape
A 40 year old man, Augustine Kollie Jr. has been remanded at the Monrovia Central
Prison pending trial on allegation of raping a teenage girl.
He has been charged with the crime “statuary rape” which contravenes section 14.53 of
the penal code of Liberia. The victim explained to the police investigators that she and
Kollie had been in sexual relationship for the past two years and had always been
together
Man 89, raped 8 years old girl
The Liberia National Police have charged and sent to court for statutory rape an 89
years old man for raping 8 years old girl in the keyhole community, old Road.
In the victim’s mother complain, Madam Hodges stated that her 8 years old daughter
was sexually abused by victor on February 20, 2015. It is noted that the victim and the
accused are all resident of the same house.
However, police charge sheet also stated that there was no evidence collected on the
crime scene by the LNP crime scene investigator, but stated that a full description of the
crime scene was established.
Man 18 allegedly committed suicide in Nimba County
An 18 years old man, Damantee lack shot himself Thursday, January 29, 2015, while he
and his sister were travelling from yolayee Town to whaleh Town in Neebwhen, lower
Nimba County.
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Commissioner Toe revealed that the 18 years old man before his death complained
someone was pushing him wherever he was travelling, and asked his parents to help
him resolves such problem by taking him to native doctor, but his parent did not pay
attention to his request until his death. The commissioner also said that lack threatened
to kill himself on several occasions as a result of the refusal of his parents to honor his
request.
This day, Damatee Lack and his Sister were traveling from yalayee Town to waileh
Town, when he told his sister he was going to the latrine and when he left, few minutes
later, his sister heard a gun sound. When she went on the scene, she met her brother in
a pool of blood asking his sister to call for help.
Henry Costa arrested
Henry Costa, owner of Voice FM and presenter of the costa morning show was arrested
by officers of the Liberia National Police along with 33 others during the early hour of
Saturday morning for allegedly breaking curfew while he and some friends were
hanging out.
According to costa Co-presenter, Woods A. Nyanton, among those that were arrested
was Samuel K. Doe Jr, son of former president Samuel K. Doe. He said while the rest
of the people were allowed to go, Costa was remanded in custody by the police.
Woods further said he got to the LNP Headquarters by 4:30AM to inquire as to the
reason for costa arrest, and he (Wood) was informed that costa and others had been
pickup for vacancy. Wood also said he had an argument with another officer who told
him that his (Woods) name was on the wanted list of the police for incitement and was
advised to leave or would be arrested also. Woods revealed that they hired the services
of Cllrs. Pearl Brown Bull, and Tiawon Gongloe. He said when their lawyers went to
represent the legal interest of Costa; they were denied access to him until mid-day on
Saturday.
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Media / Publicity
During the year under review, RAL carried out publicity and monitored print media that
carried stories related to human rights abuses and violations. Below are some of the
print media institutions:
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Constraints/Challenges
Lack of vehicle to effectively and regularly tour other parts of the country to
assess prison conditions
Limited resources hindering the effort of RAL to extend or expand to other parts
of the country
Lack of political will of government to implement policies that seek to respect the
promotion of human rights
Recommendations
That RAL should consider purchasing of vehicle to be able tour other prison
facilities
That RAL engages other donors or grant making institutions for extension and/or
expansion of its program activities to parts other parts of the country
That the Executive Branch of Government should have strong interest in the
passage of the anti-torture, the death penalty abolition and the Bureau of
Correction and Rehabilitation reform bills that are before National Legislature.
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