MONROVIA – A Liberian women’s advocacy group campaigning against rape and gender-based violence has called for the immediate arrest of Deputy Minister J. Bryant McGill, who is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl. The group made the demand on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, urging authorities to act swiftly on the allegations.
Their call comes amid growing public pressure on law enforcement to take decisive action. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Sinoe County Senator Cllr. Augustine S. Chea strongly condemned what he described as “politically motivated inaction” by the Liberia National Police in the case involving McGill. In a detailed letter, Senator Chea questioned why McGill has not been arrested despite what he believes is ample evidence to establish probable cause.
“Why Deputy Minister J. Bryant McGill hasn’t been arrested? Is he untouchable?” Senator Chea wrote. He criticized Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s handling of the matter, arguing that no DNA or forensic evidence is required to arrest a criminal suspect. “If so, on what forensic evidence did he arrest and charge former Speaker Koffa and others for arson? Or does he apply different standards for different criminal suspects?” he asked.
The senator accused the police of obstructing justice by shielding McGill from arrest. “Nobody should be above the law because of their position or political connections,” he said. “Former Speaker Koffa and other lawmakers, people of higher stature, did not have such a dispensation, simply because they’re from the opposition, not the ruling party.”
Senator Chea outlined several elements he believes constitute probable cause in the case, including the testimony of the 14-year-old victim, medical reports confirming penetration or injury, the victim’s identification of McGill as the perpetrator, and supporting video footage. “That’s enough for probable cause, even without DNA or trial-level proof,” he stated.
He further warned that the police’s alleged double standard undermines public trust in Liberia’s criminal justice system. “Using different standards for criminal arrests not only violates the equal protection guaranteed by the Constitution, but erodes public confidence. Truth be told, the police under Gregory Coleman have become too partisan. Professionalism is dead, sadly!” Senator Chea declared.
The women’s group and Senator Chea’s statements have intensified public scrutiny on the Liberia National Police and its leadership as calls grow louder for accountability and equal application of the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.
