PHOTO: Anthony Seton
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
The Liberian National Police in the southeastern Grand Kru County has arrested a business man identified as Anthony Seton, age 38 for severely beating and stripping and parading his 14-year-old biological daughter in the town.
Suspect Seton is also said to have abused the little girl by inserting his finger into her private part, claiming that she earlier went out and had sexual intercourse without his consent.
The naked girl was video-taped while being paraded, a copy of which is in the possession of this news outlet.
He was arrested in Grandcess after he stripped his daughter and paraded the streets of Grandcess on Saturday, February 13, 2021.
The victim of the abuse
Eyewitnesses on the scene informed the Police that Mr. Seton allegedly used his finger into her private part, saying that since she cannot get satisfied, he will satisfy her with his finger.
The alleged act by the suspect has prompted strong condemnation from women and human rights groups in the area, describing Seton’s action as not only a disgrace to womanhood but a gross human rights violation.
Women in Grand Kru want immediate justice to be give the14-year-old girl without delay.
This practice of stripping women naked in southeastern Liberia is often perpetrated by youths and some traditional leaders.
Reports say this is the first time for a biological father to do such an evil to his own daughter and father of the victim is said to be an arrogant man who is considered in the area as an “outlaw”.
Meanwhile, suspect Seton is currently detained at the Barclayville police station undergoing Investigation.
In December 2018, three women in Sinoe County were stripped naked and paraded in the principle street over witchcraft allegation.
In Garraway administrative District, Gr. Kru County in July of 2019, a 72- year-old woman and 45 years old son were again stripped naked and a stick was inserted in her private part for alleged witch activities. A burning hot Cutlass was placed on her son private part for his refusal to have sexual intercourse with his mother and the case is yet to appear in court.
Also in May of 2020, some women were to an unknown island stripped naked and they were severely tortured by youth of Pinicess, Grand Kru County for allegedly being responsible for the deaths of young people in the town.
One of the victims were buried alive while others were severely tied on tress around the unknown island and the case was transferred to Maryland County on change of venue motion and it is expected to be heard for this term of court.