LNP: “The defendants have been charged with harassment; sexual assault; disorderly conduct; simple assault; felonious restraint; recklessly endangering another person and offensive touching.”
In connection with the recent incident at Red-Light, where a woman was forcefully made naked, authorities at the Liberia National Police (LNP) have formally charged 12 individuals and sent to court.
Those arrested, charge and sent to court are being identified as: Shelton Dolo, Emmanuel Flomo, Abel C. Dandy, Ernest Koiyan, Lincoln Sungbeh, Prince Saykay, Daddy Stephen, Emmanuel Dee, Joe Roberts, and Eric Gbokolo.
The two other defendants are: Telewowoyan Flomo and Augustine T. Musa.
They have been charged with the crimes of: harassment; sexual assault; disorderly conduct;
simple assault; felonious restraint;
recklessly endangering another person and offensive touching.
These charges, according to LNP, are in violation of Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.28; Chapter 14, Subchapter D, Section 14.77(A); Chapter 17, Section 17.3; Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.21; Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.51; Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.23; and Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.22 of the Revised Penal Code.
The accused have been formally forwarded for court trial, while additional individuals identified through ongoing investigations, digital evidence analysis, and witness cooperation, will likewise be charged, including in absentia where the facts and law so warrant.
Meanwhile, LNP said, the matter extends beyond individual criminal accountability.
It said, incidents of mob violence, forced public stripping, and gender-based humiliation significantly damage Liberia’s international reputation and undermine national efforts to grow the economy, tourism development, investor confidence, and social stability. The force said, the ongoing investigation into the “disturbing mob assault incident” that occurred at the Red-Light Commercial District involving the violent stripping and humiliation of a young woman was uncivilized.
LNP unequivocally condemns the actions captured in the widely circulated videos.
“The conduct displayed was unlawful, degrading, inhumane, and entirely inconsistent with the principles of public order, human dignity, and the rule of law guaranteed under the Constitution and laws of the country.”
Following preliminary investigations, witness testimonies, video evidence, and facts gathered by investigators, including statements obtained from Telewowoyan Flomo and Augustine T. Musa, the LNP continues to position itself as a “peaceful democratic state open to tourism, commerce, investment, and international partnership.”
However, scenes of public brutality and lawlessness circulating globally create harmful perceptions of insecurity, and institutional weakness that negatively affect national confidence and economic opportunity.
The LNP therefore views acts of this nature, “not only as crimes against an individual victim, but also as conduct harmful to the broader national interest.”
LNP urges the public to allow the judicial process to proceed “lawfully and peacefully.”
All accused persons remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The LNP further calls upon communities, civil society, religious institutions, market associations, youth groups, and local leaders to actively reject mob justice, public humiliation, and all forms of gender-based violence.
“A lawful society is strengthened not by the anger of crowds, but by respect for human dignity, institutional accountability, and the impartial administration of justice.”
The LNP said, it remains committed to professional, impartial, and rights-based law enforcement consistent with its constitutional mandate to protect life, property, public order, and the dignity of all persons.