President George Manneh Weah has warned that his government will not tolerate rapists and armed robbers in the society, as he granted pardon to 38 inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison who committed lighter offenses.
Rape and armed robbery are two heinous crimes that permeate the Liberian society, often committed by citizens of all ages and sex. There are dozens of Liberians behind bars for rape and armed robbery.
The inmates got their freedom on Tuesday based on the recommendation of the Justice Ministry as a result of their good behavior, having spent some time in prison for committing other offenses as a regular Independence Day gesture from the Liberian President.
Some of those let out of prison have been engaged in several rehabilitation activities while serving their sentences.
The Prison authorities have started several vocational training programs such as handicraft and some of their products were put on display for President Weah and other officials to see.
Baskets and trays produced by Inmates
“Our society does not need rapists; our society does not need armed robbers,” the President declared when he visited the Monrovia Central Prison.
However, the Liberian leader has pardoned 38 inmates from the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) and urged them to use the opportunity to contribute to the development of Liberia.
The Constitution of the Republic bestows the power upon the President to pardon inmates as deemed necessary and advised, and President Weah felt obligated to give some inmates relief from detention during this period of national celebration commemorating the 171st Independence of the country.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, the President expressed sadness about seeing youthful and talented men and women behind bars who should be contributing to the growth and development of the country.
President Weah told the inmates that his being at the prison compound was a clear manifestation of the government’s willingness to celebrate with them the first Independence Day observance of the Pro-Poor government.
The Liberian leader said it was worrisome seeing Liberia’s youthful generation between the ages of 15-20 being charged with crimes ranging from armed robbery, rape, and other crimes at the time they are needed to be part of the building of a new Liberia.
“This is not a good place for you; you should change your attitudes to be good and changed citizens. The only way you can become part of the process is by developing and cultivating a changed behavior in the promotion of the Pro-Poor Agenda of the CDC- led government,” he said.
In response, the Director of the Monrovia Central Prison, Mr. Edwin McGill thanked President Weah for the fulfillment of his constitutional mandate.
He said the prison was built to take in about 85 inmates, but there are about 1,100 inmates; and added “this is causing us more problem and making it difficult for the compound and the workers.”