AFELL Speaks Out After Attacks On Former Chief Justice Gloria Scott That Led To The Killing Of Her Daughter
PHOTO: Atty. Philomena T. Williams, President of AFELL
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia has blasted President George Wea who refers to himself as “feminist-in-Chief” for what AFELL describes as ‘condoning violence against women’ and has threatened a protest action in front of the Executive Mason until there is a redress.
But the Liberian leader has repeatedly boasted that his CDC government has performed well in protecting women and girls and battling Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Liberia.
AFELL’s comments come hours after one of its Executive members, former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott’s daughter got brutally killed in an attack on her home in a Monrovia suburb Wednesday night, February 23, 2023.
Police on Thursday confirmed in Monrovia that the daughter of Liberia’s former Chief Justice, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott has been killed by robbers who stabbed the young woman in a night-time raid at their home in the Brewerville area west of the Liberian capital.
The latest attack on the home of the former Chief Justice comes amid a string of attacks by robbers in various communities some of them carrying knives, cutlasses and even guns sparking fear of insecurity in various communities. The homes of several Judges have not been spared from attack without the perpetrators brought to book in recent times.
According to information gathered, former Chief Justice Scott made former complaints of her attack which took place both February 8 and 9 2023 without any action taken by the Liberian National Police.
Speaking at program marking the 1st convention of AFELL on the theme: “Contemporary issues of violence affecting women and children “ at the the Temple of Justice; Atty. Philomena T. Williams was critical of President Weah saying, he was not doing enough to contain the situation of violence against women and girls in Liberia.
“I am shaken, I am disturbed, my heart beats about the gruesome death of the daughter of one of our Executive members in person Gloria Musu Scott,” the AFELL President cried out.
She continued: “Today with heavy heart we lost a daughter of the former Chief Justice Cllr. Gloria Musa Scott of the Republic of Liberia. She cried on the radio about threats to her life ,no body listened. AFELL this gone Saturday asked for protection of the former Chief Justice but nobody listened. We cry on the President and told him to condemn the act but he’s not hearing us. So today is the Chief Justice Scott, tomorrow you will have another person.”
In the wake of the situation, the Female Lawyers Association has spelled out a number of demands.
“We demand speedy investigation because AFELL will continue to assemble in front the Executive Mason until we get results from the investigation, we will not sit and do nothing. We are calling on the President , we told him to condemn this act but he is not doing it. Mr. President you have to do something, you cannot tell us to be our own security. You have the obligation to protect and secure us, we need it. We are tired of all forms of violence in this country.
“AFELL wants you to use the pulpit at Forkyklon church to spiritually decry all forms of violence against women and child,” she expressed.”
According to her, AFELL is determined to achieve its ambitious goals to end all forms of violence and abuse against women and children and to protect the rights of children in Liberia.
However, AFELL noted that the analysis of the findings showed that free primary education guarantees access to education, forms the bedrock to development and steady economic growth.
“As mothers, it is so embarrassing and disheartening to see our lovely, promising young ones dangerously running between cars to assist their parents earn income to pay school fees and up keeping,” the head of the Female Lawyers Association added.
AFELL has also appealed to the government to take firm actions to enhance the livelihood and stop all forms of violence and abuse against women and children.
“We heard the cries of mothers calling for the government’s help to end street vending, get their children in schools and for the government to provide after school development programs for children,” Atty. Philomena T. Williams cited.
For the Supreme Court, Associate Justice Yamie QuiQui Gbeisay applauded members of AFELL to serve Liberia and the interest of the country above personal interest.
“The Liberian people believe in you, political leaders and parties believe in your religious leaders believe in you and your legal advice and counsel can either help this country or break this country,” he added.
Justice Gbeisay also applauded Lawyers to help Liberians and legal community in upholding the rule of Law, maintaining the peace and advancing the interest of the common patrimony above personal or political interest.
“As we approach elections within few months, we admonished all of you here today to be ambassador of peace and stability,” he maintained.
According to him, Liberia needs patriotic citizens who will always be prepared to take the interest of the country and its people paramount.
“This country would do well if we work harder and do all within our power in doing the right thing and make this country a better place for us, our children and generation yet unborn,” he emphasized.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the contribution to the rule of Law in Liberia and pledged its support for the growth and development of the organization.