MONROVIA – A U.S.-based human rights organization, the Panoramic Justice Group, has fired back at Liberia’s Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, rejecting his attempt to discredit its recent report on alleged human rights violations under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
In a statement released on January 30, 2025, the group, led by retired U.S. Marine Dr. D. Garkpe Gedepoh, dismissed Piah’s assertions that it lacks legitimacy. The organization emphasized that while the government is attempting to undermine its credibility, it has failed to challenge the documented evidence of human rights abuses presented in its report. The group also reaffirmed its commitment to justice and accountability, stating that it was established in December 2024 and is duly registered in the State of Maryland.
The controversy follows remarks made by Minister Piah during a press briefing on January 28, 2025, in which he accused Dr. Gedepoh of being a longtime critic of President Boakai, even before his presidency. Piah downplayed the group’s findings, dismissing its claims as politically motivated and without merit. He reiterated that the administration remains committed to protecting human rights and upholding democratic principles.
The dispute emerged after PJG’s letter to U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio surfaced in the media. The letter, which went viral on social media on January 25, 2025, details seventeen alleged human rights violations by the Unity Party-led government. The group called on the U.S. government to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on Liberian officials linked to rights abuses.
Minister Piah, in response, argued that PJG lacks standing in the United States and questioned its credibility. However, the organization remains firm in its position, stating that discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing and could lead to a congressional hearing on the situation in Liberia.
