–Justice Minister Tweh Alarms
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia, N. Oswald Tweh, has observed that the nation is moving too fast down the wrong path, alarming over mob violence becoming the order of the day; Cynthia Quinisier reports.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Minister Tweh emphasized that mob violence creates fear within the community, undermines the authority and legitimacy of the formal legal institutions, and erodes trust in the government’s ability to maintain law and order.
“We implore all Liberians to work with us in confronting and eradicating mob violence from our society,” he stated.
According to him, it is a violation of the law and democratic principles and values, and that the administration will uphold the rule of law. “Law is the fabric that holds the society together. We Liberians have seen and experienced firsthand,” he added.
He said, “We have to arrest the situation and change the course of our country. This is what this administration has pledged to do, and this is what this administration will do.
“Mob violence has become an unfortunate stain on the fabric of our nation, and any form of mob violence is criminal. Mob violence often leaves in its wake death, severe bodily injuries and destruction of properties. While it is criminal to engage in any illegal act, it is also criminal to damage state infrastructures or to beat a suspected criminal or to destroy private properties. This government will not condone or tolerate mob violence.”
Minister Tweh recalled that a lady was accused of being a witch in Gardnersville, and was severely beaten by the residents. He said she was however rescued from the mob, rushed to the ELWA Hospital for medical attention but, unfortunately, she died.
“We also recall the mob violence against a lady accused of being a criminal in the commercial district of Redlight in Paynesville. She was stripped naked, severely beaten, and sexually assaulted after she was accused by some unidentified individuals that she stole from them. Shamefully, by-standers watched without stepping in to help her,” he recalled.
“This situation is so serious that the other day the Supreme Court of Liberia met with me, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police and the Executive Director of the Liberia Land Authority to discuss the situation, as it affects the Judiciary, especially the prevention of the enforcement of judgments of the courts by angry crowds. Our country is moving too fast down the wrong path,” he observed.