Public outrage has intensified as anti-rape activists took to the streets, following confirmation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) that Deputy Minister Bryant McGill has not been arrested despite serious rape allegations against him. Protesters are threatening to return on Monday if the government fails to detain the official. The demonstration began on Thursday, as protesters marched and chanted slogans demanding justice.
Their frustration stems from the authorities’ delay in arresting McGill, who stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of a security officer at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where McGill serves as Deputy Minister for Youth Development. Though McGill has been questioned by police, he remains free. The campaigners argue this violates Liberian law, which treats rape as a non-bailable offense. Many are questioning whether McGill is receiving preferential treatment due to his political position. Under the 2005 Rape Law, Statutory Rape, which involves sexual intercourse with minors, is classified as a first-degree felony.
The law provides that in such cases rape “shall be treated as capital offense under Section 13.1.1 [of the Criminal Procedure Law] … for the purpose of bail.” But, on Wednesday, September, 17, 2025, the joint investigative team, comprising the Liberia National Police, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has confirmed that the accused has not been detained but is “under continuous investigation.” The protest, led by women’s rights advocates, were seen outside LNP Headquarters. The demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of McGill, citing existing medical reports that confirm the victim was raped.
“We are tired of the delays,” said the protesters. “If this were an ordinary Liberian, they’d be in jail already. But because McGill is a government official, the police are hesitating.” The LNP, howeve,r stated that while the medical findings support the allegation, more substantial evidence is required to make an arrest. Police say McGill has denied the accusations and that a geo-location investigation is underway to determine his whereabouts at the time of the alleged incident. “The case remains an allegation until proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” the LNP emphasized, urging the public to respect due process.
Activists, however, remain unconvinced. They argue that many ordinary citizens are arrested based solely on accusations, without the kind of prolonged investigation currently underway for McGill. “Justice must not be selective,” one protester said. “There are people in prison right now because they were merely accused. Why is McGill being treated differently?” “If the LNP won’t arrest him, we will do it ourselves and hand him over,” one protester declared. Meanwhile, the joint investigative team has announced plans to seek international assistance to help advance the investigation. At a press conference held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman, said medical reports from one of six accredited health facilities show that the teenage victim had been sexually assaulted.
“This case requires a thorough investigation. International support is essential to establish the evidence necessary for a successful prosecution,” Coleman told reporters. The investigative team has already interviewed the victim’s father, several relatives, and all persons of interest, including McGill. They are reviewing CCTV footage from the area where the incident allegedly occurred and have requested a subpoena for McGill’s phone records to conduct geo-location analysis. Coleman also confirmed that the victim’s clothing has been preserved for forensic testing and that they are seeking foreign assistance, including from the U.S. Embassy, for DNA analysis.
“Nobody is above the law,” Coleman said. “But I ask the public to remain patient. We’re working to build a case that can stand up in court.” The Ministry of Justice stressed that due process must be followed to avoid jeopardizing the prosecution. The Ministry of Gender reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the victim and ensuring accountability. As the investigation continues, Coleman reiterated that McGill is cooperating with authorities but remains at large. Officials say the case remains open and “inconclusive” as evidence continues to be gathered and forensic results are pending.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
