Monrovia, Liberia – The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has expressed serious disappointment in Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, for what it terms as his “deliberate refusal” to arrest former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Bryant McGill, who has been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl.
During a recent press briefing, IG Coleman informed the public that the Liberia National Police (LNP) had not yet established what he called “probable cause” to arrest McGill. This statement comes despite the police reportedly possessing both a medical report and a consistent testimony from the survivor, who alleges that “Uncle Bryant” raped her multiple times.
AFELL questioned the Inspector General’s definition of “probable cause” in a statutory rape case, insisting that the evidence on hand including the medical report and survivor’s testimony should be sufficient grounds for an arrest.
The association criticized the police for relying heavily on CCTV footage managed by the IT department of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where McGill worked. AFELL warned that the footage could have been manipulated to protect the suspect, noting that the IG failed to prove its authenticity or explain how the footage met legal standards for reliability.
“It is alarming that the police are treating this case as though they are the judge and jury,” AFELL stated. “The IG’s reliance on a questionable CCTV footage, while disregarding the survivor’s testimony and medical report, undermines justice and shows bias in favor of the suspect.”
AFELL expressed concern that the police appear to be applying a “proof beyond reasonable doubt” standard which is only required in court instead of the “probable cause” standard necessary for an arrest.
The organization also condemned the police for repeatedly summoning the survivor to the station for questioning, describing the move as “intimidating” and harmful to her mental and emotional well-being.
AFELL called on President Joseph Boakai to immediately suspend and replace Bryant McGill from his government post and urged IG Coleman to “act now and arrest the suspect without further delay.”
“Mr. Inspector General, with all due respect, you are not the defense counsel nor the court,” AFELL’s statement emphasized. “Act now and immediately arrest suspect Bryant McGill. Let justice be done to all enough is enough.”
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