By Jacqueline Dennis
Monrovia — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has expressed disappointment in Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman for delaying the arrest of Bryant McGill, who is accused of statutory rape.
AFELL President Philomena T. Williams said Coleman updated the public on the case but indicated that police have not established what he called “probable cause” for McGill’s arrest, despite a medical report and the survivor’s consistent testimony that she was raped multiple times. AFELL questions what constitutes probable cause in a statutory rape case.
“As defenders of the rights of women and children who experience violence, we were surprised when the IG cited CCTV footage as justification for not making an arrest,” Williams stated. “The CCTV footage is controlled by the IT team of the Youth and Sports Ministry, where the suspect once worked as Deputy Minister. This raises questions about authenticity and potential manipulation, especially in light of the survivor’s testimony and the medical report that should support probable cause.”
AFELL notes that the IG did not address the authenticity of the CCTV footage or explain how it determined its reliability. Williams argued that this could undermine the prosecution.
“It is disheartening that the IG did not provide a clear legal explanation regarding the survivor’s testimony and the medical report in police possession,” Williams continued. “We acknowledge the survivor’s trauma, but discrediting her testimony would silence victims of abuse and hinder justice for women in Liberia.”
AFELL also contends that, in a case involving a Deputy Minister as the alleged perpetrator, the police have lowered the standard for probable cause, effectively equating it with a beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard used in criminal trials. The association called on the IG to act decisively.
AFELL commends President Boakai for suspending and replacing the suspect from his governmental position and urges Police Director Coleman to act promptly. It also urged the police to reconsider questioning the survivor at the police station, arguing she should be in a safe environment to focus on recovery.
“Mr. Inspector General, you are not defense counsel or the court. Act now and arrest the suspect, Bryant McGill. We must protect the rights of women and children from abuse and violence, regardless of status or position,” AFELL concluded.
