The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has condemned what it termed as the “callous and brutal attack” on the home of former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott which left her niece dead and two others seriously wounded.
The LNBA, which is an umbrella body of lawyers in the country, in a statement issued Thursday, February 23, 2023 stated that what happened to the home of Cllr. Scott, is not acceptable, and “is therefore calling for an independent and neutral investigation as soon as possible.”
“This is outrageous and a pure act of savagery. The LNBA is utterly dismayed over such a 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.
Scott’s home was brutally attacked on February 22, a third instance after two previous “robbery attempts” at her Brewerville home.
The legal body has with immediate effect called on the government to launch a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the incident in order to bring perpetrators to book, and at the same time warned, “This act of savagery and callousness must not be treated as business.”
“We called on the government to immediately launch an investigation into these attacks to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the LNBA release said,
The association said it has observed that 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 LNBA release noted.
The Bar, therefore, 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 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 statement added.
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