By: Staff Writer
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has sharply criticized the Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, for what it describes as a “deliberate refusal” to arrest former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Bryant McGill, who stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl.
In a strongly worded statement, the leading women’s rights organization expressed deep concern over the Liberia National Police’s handling of the statutory rape case, highlighting what it sees as an unjustified delay in arresting McGill despite key evidence, including a medical report and the survivor’s consistent testimony.
Inspector General Coleman, during a recent press briefing, stated that the police had not yet found “probable cause” to arrest McGill.
He cited CCTV footage as a central reason for this position, a rationale AFELL has denounced as legally insufficient and potentially obstructive to justice.
AFELL questioned the reliability of the CCTV footage, which is under the control of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where McGill served as Deputy Minister.
The group raised concerns that the footage could have been “doctored or manipulated,” particularly in contrast to the physical and testimonial evidence already provided.
“The CCTV footage being relied on by the police is managed by the IT team of the Youth and Sports Ministry without consideration for whether it could have been altered,” AFELL’s statement read. “Even more disturbing is that the IG failed to explain how the police verified the authenticity of the footage.”
The group also noted that the police have provided no public explanation regarding the relevance or admissibility of the footage in legal terms, such as its reliability or validity elements which could be challenged in court.
AFELL at the same time criticized what it called a shifting of legal standards by the police, accusing them of applying a “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” threshold used during trials at the arrest stage, where only probable cause is typically required.
“In this case, where a Deputy Minister is the alleged perpetrator, the police have changed the standard for probable cause to one used in a criminal trial,” AFELL stated. “This is unacceptable and a clear deviation from due process.”
AFELL praised President Joseph Boakai for swiftly suspending McGill from his government position but called on Inspector General Coleman to act with similar urgency.
“Like the President has acted in his capacity, we expect the Police Director to act now and immediately arrest suspect Bryant McGill,” the group urged.
The organization also condemned the police for repeatedly requesting the survivor appear at the police station for questioning, claiming it amounts to intimidation.
AFELL revealed the survivor had expressed distress and fear due to these repeated summons, stating she should instead be placed in a safe and supportive environment.
AFELL also reminded Inspector General Coleman that his role is not to judge the guilt or innocence of the accused but to uphold the law by facilitating due process.
“With all due respect, Mr. Inspector General, you are not the defense counsel nor the court,” the group stated. “Act now and arrest Bryant McGill.
Let us together protect the rights of women and children, regardless of status or position, Enough is enough”, AFELL reemphasized.
Bryant McGill, former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, is accused of repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl who reportedly referred to him as “Uncle Bryant.”
The case has garnered national attention in Liberia and has reignited broader concerns about justice, accountability, and the protection of women and children from sexual violence in the country.
