(MONROVIA-LIBERIA, May 7, 2026), The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection strongly condemns the violent public assault, humiliation, and abuse recently inflicted on a woman by a group of men who forcefully pulled her from a motorcycle, stripped her, and subjected her to degrading treatment because of her alleged choice of clothing.
This act was not “cultural correction” or moral enforcement. It was a criminal act and a grave violation of the woman’s human rights and dignity. No individual or group has the authority to violently police another person’s body, clothing, or personal freedom.
The Ministry considers this incident an act of gender-based violence and sexual assault. This degree of abuse against a woman is unacceptable under any circumstance and cannot be justified by cultural, social, or personal beliefs. Violence against women must never be normalized, excused, celebrated, or ignored.
We are deeply concerned by the growing tendency to blame victims instead of condemning perpetrators. Questions about what a woman wore must never overshadow the more important question: why did grown men choose violence, humiliation, and abuse?
The Ministry further condemns all acts of filming, cheering, or defending this attack. Silence and complicity only strengthen the culture of violence and impunity that threatens the safety and dignity of women and girls across Liberia.
We therefore call on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute every individual involved in this assault, including those who visibly participated in the attack captured on video or identified through witnesses’ accounts. The law must be applied fully. Mob violence is not justice, and public outrage does not excuse criminal conduct.
The Ministry also calls on women’s rights organizations, civil society institutions, youth groups, religious leaders, and the general public to speak out against all forms of violence against women and girls.
Protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of women is a shared national responsibility.
The Ministry emphasizes that Liberian women and girls must be free to move, work, dress, and live without fear of harassment, assault, or public humiliation. Any society that permits mob attacks against women undermines the principles of justice, human dignity, and national peace.
To the perpetrators of this act, violence does not demonstrate strength, morality, or leadership. True strength is demonstrated through respect, discipline, and the protection of the rights and dignity of others.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has intensified efforts to establish contact with the victim. We remain committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of all women and girls throughout Liberia.
SIGNED:__________________________
D. Webster Cassell
Communication Specialist
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Republic of Liberia
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