MONROVIA – Sinoe County Senator Cllr. Augustine S. Chea has publicly condemned what he calls a politically motivated inaction by the Liberia National Police regarding Deputy Minister J. Bryant McGill, who stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl. The senator’s remarks, delivered in a detailed letter, question why McGill has not yet been arrested despite what he describes as sufficient evidence to establish probable cause.
“Why Deputy Minister J. Bryant McGill hasn’t been arrested? Is he untouchable?” Senator Chea wrote. “IG Gregory Coleman is dead wrong. 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?”
Chea argued that shielding McGill from arrest constitutes obstruction of justice. “Nobody should be above the law because of their position or political connections,” the senator 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.”
The senator further outlined what he believes establishes probable cause, citing 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 related to the alleged crime. “That’s enough for probable cause, even without DNA or trial-level proof,” Chea said.
He warned that the police’s apparent double standard undermines public confidence 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 emphasized the gravity of the alleged crime, noting that rape, particularly of a minor, is a serious offense under Liberian law, non-bailable, and carries significant legal and social consequences. “The time for cover-up is over. Arrest J. Bryant McGill now!” he urged.
The letter adds to growing public scrutiny over Liberia’s handling of high-profile criminal cases, with citizens and civil society organizations increasingly calling for transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of the law regardless of political affiliation.
