The leadership of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has categorically condemned the callous and brutal attack on the home of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, which reportedly led to the death of her daughter and a number of family members hospitalized.
The LNBA said this is outrageous and a pure act of savagery. “The LNBA is utterly dismayed over such cruel act of violence, which has repeatedly marred the political landscape and gravely threatens the civil liberty, freedom of expression and association as guaranteed under the 1986 Constitution,” the LNBA said in a press release.
The LNBA release, issued Thursday, February 23, 2023, says these attacks are intended to harass and intimidate prominent citizens and members of the public in the months leading to the upcoming elections, and could have a chilling effect throughout the country.
“The LNBA seriously cautions the Liberian government to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of motivated violence and refrain from all inflammatory actions that could incite similar attacks or deter people from enjoying their civil liberties ahead of the crucial 2023 elections. The Bar assures all of its commitment to fully cooperate with relevant actors to keep the peace by ensuring that the Liberian democracy is kept afloat,” the LNBA release sounded.
According to the legal luminaries, the Liberian government is under obligation by law to protect life and property and must ensure that the needful is done consistent with Article 20 (a), which provides that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provision laid down in the 1986 Constitution in accordance with due process”.
The LNBA, in the release, called on the Liberian government to immediately and unconditionally launch a through, independent and impartial investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials before a court of competent jurisdiction. The LNBA warned that this act of savagery and callousness must not be treated as business as usual, as it is only the adherence to the principle of rule of law that guarantees the peaceful co-existence of all Liberians.
