08/05/2026
LIBERIA UNITES POSITION STATEMENT ON THE PUBLIC HUMILIATION AND ASSAULT OF A WOMAN AT RED LIGHT MARKET IN PAYNESVILLE ON MAY 7, 2026
Liberia Unites strongly condemns the disturbing and inhumane incident that occurred yesterday at the Red Light Market in Paynesville, where a group of street vendors reportedly attacked a woman, stripped her naked publicly, and subjected her to humiliation and disgrace over allegations of indecent dressing.
This act was not only barbaric and unlawful, but also a complete violation of the victim’s fundamental human rights and dignity as a woman and as a Liberian citizen. Such behavior represents a dangerous form of gender-based violence that has no place in a peaceful and democratic society.
No individual or group has the legal or moral authority to publicly assault, shame, or brutalize another human being under any circumstance. The culture of mob justice, bullying, intimidation, and violence against women must be rejected by every well-meaning Liberian.
Liberia Unites therefore calls on the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Justice, and all relevant state authorities to immediately intervene, conduct a full-scale investigation, and ensure that all perpetrators involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Liberia. Justice delayed in matters such as this only encourages future acts of violence and impunity.
As a nation, Liberia has endured painful years of violence, abuse, and the degradation of women and girls during periods of instability and conflict. The mistreatment of women has historically stained our national image and negatively characterized our society before the international community. It is therefore deeply troubling that in a time when Liberia is striving toward peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social transformation, such cruel acts continue to occur openly in our communities.
Violence against women, whether through public humiliation, domestic abuse, bullying, harassment, or intimidation — creates fear, trauma, insecurity, and social division. It weakens families, damages communities, and threatens the moral fabric of our society. We must collectively raise a generation that values human dignity, mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Liberia Unites views this incident as a direct undermining of ongoing peacebuilding efforts and civic education initiatives aimed at promoting nonviolence, respect for human rights, and responsible citizenship across Liberia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for justice, peace, reconciliation, and the protection of vulnerable people within our society.
We stand in solidarity with the victim and all women and girls who continue to suffer violence and humiliation in silence. We call on community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence and to promote a culture of accountability and respect.
Liberia cannot truly progress while women continue to live under fear, abuse, and public degradation. The time to act is now.
Signed:
Liberia Unites
“ Inspire Connect Equip"
