By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has called for the immediate suspension and investigation of Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Bryant McGill, who has been accused of rape.
In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, Karnga-Lawrence emphasized that more than two weeks have passed since the allegation was reported, yet no decisive action has been taken.
She disclosed that medical examinations conducted on the alleged victim confirmed that she had been “sexually tempered with.”
“At this point, the accused, regardless of his public portfolio, must be immediately suspended and placed under police investigation to establish his involvement or not,” Karnga-Lawrence stated. “And if scientifically linked, the accused must be immediately processed to court in the interest of justice and fair play.”
The Senate Pro Tempore stressed that rape, particularly statutory rape, is a grave crime under Liberian law. She reminded authorities that it is a non-bailable offense, insisting that the law must be applied impartially.
“Rape, especially statutory rape, is a non-bailable offense under our law; and the law must be applied impartially without fear or favors,” she declared.
Karnga-Lawrence’s intervention comes amid growing public concern over how rape cases are handled, particularly when influential government officials are implicated. Civil society organizations and women’s rights groups have also been pressing for swift and transparent action in the case.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, while police authorities have not publicly confirmed whether a formal investigation is underway.
Observers say the Senate Pro Tempore’s call could increase pressure on the Boakai administration to act promptly, both to uphold the rule of law and to reaffirm the government’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence.
