Former Solicitor General and renowned Liberian human rights lawyer, Taiwan Saye Gongloe, has called for the immediate arrest and incarceration of a government minister accused of raping a 14-year old girl.
In the instant, Gongloe has blasted the government for “shielding and defending” the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister for Youth Development, J. Bryant McGill.
McGill is allegedly embroiled in raping a 14-year old female.
Gongloe has meanwhile, called on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to immediately arrest, investigate and prosecute McGill or else, the government would lose public trust.
He recommended to President Joseph N. Boakai to dismiss McGill for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.
At a press conference on Monday, September 15, 2025, Cllr. Gongloe said government’s practice of ‘selective justice,’ undermined the rule of law component of the ‘R’ in the ARREST agenda by breeding mob violence.
He called on authorities at the MoJ to arrest McGill, and be treated like any other suspect, as the crime of statutory rape, “is equally serious as murder under the Liberian law.”
“As a lawyer,” I was shocked and angered over the rape allegation, noting that McGill’s role in youth development, and the seriousness of the crime.”
Gongloe also highlighted the accusation as “exceptional treatment,” which he said, “undermines the rule of law and the equal protection under the law.”
“During my time as Solicitor General, I remembered where a high-profile suspect was arrested, and treated equally under the law. So, there should be no exception as in the case of J. Bryant McGill.”
Cllr. Gongloe narrated that if the accused (McGill) is not held accountable for his action, it has the potential negative impact on investors and tourism.
Gongloe told journalists that the government is proceeding wrongly; saying that the accused should have been “charged and indicted by now.”
Moreover, Gongloe underscored the importance of “time” in legal proceedings, and the need for “immediate action to maintain public trust.”
He has also called on the MoJ to ensure the criminal justice system acts in a credible manner, and that no one is above the law.
He recommended that McGill be immediately arrested and detained to demonstrate the equal application of the law.
A fortnight ago, McGill took a “leave of absence” after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor, and misusing funds intended for a drug-dependent youth program, officials confirmed Thursday.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports said McGill requested a leave “to avoid any perception of interference” with the investigation. His request has been forwarded to Pres. Boakai for action.
The ministry pledged full cooperation with police and urged the public and media to allow the process to proceed without interference.