-Calls for Immediate Action
Monrovia — Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence (MARDV) has issued a strong condemnation of a disturbing incident involving a 16-year-old girl from Lofa County, who was seen being tortured in a video that has circulated widely on social media. The footage reportedly shows the girl being punished for allegedly stealing, prompting outrage from the organization and calls for swift justice.
MARDV described the act as a gross violation of the girl’s human rights and dignity. “In this 21st century, no one should be tortured or treated in such a manner as if we are still in the Stone Age,” the organization stated in a press release.
The group emphasized that Liberia’s constitution, particularly Article 21(e) of the 1986 Constitution, explicitly prohibits torture and inhumane treatment. The law states, “No person charged, arrested, restricted, detained, or otherwise held in confinement shall be subject to torture or inhumane treatment.”
In light of this violation, MARDV is calling on state security officials in Lofa County to take immediate action against the individual seen abusing the child in the video, along with any accomplices. “We urge the Ministry of Gender and Children Protection to intervene swiftly to provide counseling and support to the victim, who is undoubtedly suffering both physically and mentally,” the organization added.
The video also features the perpetrator admitting to his wickedness, raising concerns that this may not be an isolated incident. MARDV suspects that the individual may have previously committed similar acts against women and girls in Lofa County and beyond.
MARDV implores state authorities to act decisively to prevent further violence and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the organization is calling on all men to denounce rape and any form of violence against women and children. “Liberia, and the world at large, can only become a better place when everyone’s human rights are protected and respected,” MARDV concluded.
