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ACTIVIST DEMANDS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS INTO STAND ARSON, POLICE CUSTODY MURDER, AND MINISTERIAL RAPE CASE

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie, speaking from exile, has issued a scathing press statement calling for impartial investigations into a series of alleged abuses and violent incidents in Liberia, including an alleged arson attack on the STAND headquarters, an alleged police custody murder, and the delayed handling of a statutory rape case involving a suspended government minister. The statement, released on December 11, 2025, urges the Liberian government to uphold justice and protect citizens’ rights.

Kollie expressed deep concern over the alleged arson attack on the headquarters of the civic group Solidarity and Trust for A New Day (STAND). STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu has accused pro-government actors of orchestrating the attack. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Kollie called on the government to conduct a full-scale, independent inquiry, stressing that no civil society organization should be targeted for expressing dissent.

“Civil society and political establishments must never be attacked because of their views,” Kollie said. He emphasized that Mr. Morlu and STAND have the constitutional right to hold peaceful protests and engage in political discourse, provided their actions remain nonviolent. Kollie also highlighted the need for the government to examine other recent fire incidents, including those in the Shara and Duport Road communities, suggesting a pattern of negligence or malfeasance.

The activist also raised alarm over an alleged murder of a young man, Matthew Mulbah reportedly in police custody. A video circulating online shows a Liberian woman weeping at a Monrovia funeral home, claiming her son was found with multiple bullet wounds while in police custody. Kollie called for an independent autopsy and investigation, stressing that justice must be served regardless of political influence or power.

Turning to allegations of sexual violence, Kollie criticized the delayed handling of a statutory rape case involving suspended Minister Bryant McGill. A 14-year-old girl had accused McGill of rape in August 2025. President Joseph Boakai suspended the minister in September, yet, according to Kollie, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has failed to release DNA results, despite a verified medical report confirming the assault.

“This brazen attempt to delay, cover up, or evade justice because a ‘big shot’ is allegedly involved undermines public trust in the police and the rule of law,” Kollie stated. He emphasized that selective justice erodes national stability and leaves victims, particularly minors, vulnerable to stigma, trauma, and impunity for perpetrators.

Kollie reiterated the principle “Iustitia numquam decipi,” Justice must never be compromised. He argued that the delay in investigations, coupled with alleged abuses by authorities, represents a systemic threat to governance, human rights, and the security of Liberian citizens.

The press statement called on the Liberian government to respect due process, ensure transparency, and uphold the independence of law enforcement institutions. Kollie stressed that accountability must apply equally to all, regardless of social, political, or economic status.

Kollie also addressed the international community, copying his statement to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, the European Union, the UN Human Rights Council, the African Union, ECOWAS, Amnesty International, UN Women Liberia, and Human Rights Watch. He urged these bodies to monitor the situation and advocate for impartial investigations to restore confidence in Liberia’s justice system.

The activist concluded by warning that failure to act decisively could exacerbate civil unrest, perpetuate impunity, and undermine the rule of law in Liberia. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Kollie said, calling on both Liberian authorities and international partners to ensure victims’ rights are protected and that no individual remains above the law.

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