Feminist Coalition Calls for Swift Justice in Alleged Rape Case Involving Deputy Minister Bryant McGill
September 18, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
The Feminist Coalition expresses deep outrage over the disturbing allegation that Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, J. Bryant McGill, is involved in the rape of a 14-year-old girl.
The Coalition, comprising five women-led institutions WONGOSOL, the Liberia Feminist Forum, medica Liberia, Sisters for Sisters, and Radical Young Women Initiatives condemns the fact that the accused remains at large while the minor continues to endure trauma.
The group stresses that this situation sends a harmful message to survivors of sexual violence and undermines Liberia’s justice system. Rape is a grave crime under Liberian law, and survivors deserve a justice system that is swift, impartial, and free from political interference.
The Coalition stresses that any perception of delay or preferential treatment for public officials erodes trust in the rule of law and weakens Liberia’s commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
The Coalition also points to Liberia’s obligations under international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Maputo Protocol, which demand protection for women and children against sexual violence. Failure to act decisively, they warn, could undermine Liberia’s standing under these commitments.
While acknowledging the Minister of Youth and Sports for publicly condemning the allegations, the Coalition insists that justice must not be influenced by political connections or social rank. “If this was an ordinary Liberian citizen, they would already be detained,” the group states. “Justice must be impartial, prompt, and thorough.”
The Coalition urges the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to act swiftly to ensure accountability. “We stand firmly with the survivor and her family and will continue to push for justice until those responsible are held accountable,” the Coalition declares, underscoring the need for consistent and transparent protection for all women and girls in Liberia.
Our Demands Immediate Arrest and Investigation. The Liberia National Police must arrest Deputy Minister J. Bryant McGill without delay and ensure a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation.
Swift Prosecution
The Ministry of Justice must prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law, without fear or favor. Survivor Protection and Support. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection must guarantee the safety, psychosocial care, and legal support of the survivor and her family. Public Assurance – The government must reaffirm its international obligations under CEDAW, CRC, and the Maputo Protocol by ensuring this case sets a precedent that no one is above the law.
About the Liberia Feminist Coalition, The Liberia Feminist Coalition is a platform of five women-led institutions: WONGOSOL, the Liberia Feminist Forum, medica Liberia, Sisters for Sisters, and Radical Young Women Initiatives.
The Coalition works collectively to amplify advocacy, demand accountability, and advance gender justice. Its members are committed to protecting the rights of women and girls, confronting sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring women’s meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels.
