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By The People Newspaper
Paynesville, Liberia — Women’s Wellbeing Initiative Liberia (WWILiberia) has strongly condemned what it describes as the “disturbing delay” in the pursuit of justice for a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in August this year.
The case, first reported at the Zone 8 ELWA Police Station, was immediately referred to Hope for Women for medical attention, where doctors confirmed that the child had been raped. Police investigators reportedly concluded their preliminary findings and forwarded the case to the central headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
But despite the medical confirmation and the police’s own findings, the case has not advanced to court for over a month. Instead, it has remained stagnant from August until September 14, 2025, a clear violation of legal procedures that require rape cases to be referred directly to the courts.
WWILiberia CEO, Adama Sheriff Pahuja, expressed outrage over the handling of the matter. “Every day of delay deepens the trauma for this child and undermines public trust in Liberia’s justice system. Rape is not only a crime; it is a human rights violation. Justice must be swift, thorough, and survivor-centered. We will not stand by in silence while procedures are ignored and a child’s suffering is prolonged,” Pahuja said.
The 14-year-old survivor, whose identity is withheld for protection, was allegedly attacked in August in Paynesville. Following immediate reporting, standard procedure was followed at the initial stage: referral to medical care and preliminary investigation. However, the case was stalled after reaching police central headquarters, sparking suspicion of negligence or interference.
Rape remains a first-degree felony under Liberian law, punishable by lengthy prison sentences. Yet, rights groups frequently criticize authorities for slow investigations, poor case management, and political interference that often leave survivors without justice.
The Liberia National Police is now under fire for allegedly failing to fulfill its legal obligation by not submitting the case to the appropriate court in time. Advocates argue that such lapses not only delay justice but may also embolden perpetrators.
WWILiberia is demanding that the LNP clarify why the case was withheld and is calling for immediate corrective action.
The advocacy group has also urged the Ministry of Justice to urgently intervene and ensure the case proceeds without further delay. Additionally, it called on the Government of Liberia to hold accountable any officials whose negligence contributed to the delay.
Liberia has long struggled with high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), leading to repeated public outcry and reforms. In 2020, mass protests under the banner “We Are Tired” pushed the government to declare rape a national emergency. Despite this, survivors still face bureaucratic bottlenecks, stigma, and corruption in pursuit of justice.
Reaffirming its commitment, the organization vowed to continue monitoring the case closely. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” the group declared, pledging solidarity with the survivor and her family while demanding transparency, urgency, and compassion from authorities.
