MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Women’s rights advocate Hawa Metzger has condemned what she calls Liberia’s failure to prioritize justice for victims of sexual violence, following the release of Catholic priest Daniel George from prison after prosecutors failed to indict him.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 15, Metzger expressed outrage over what she described as systemic neglect of sexual abuse victims in Liberia. “The things that matter in Liberia don’t matter!” she wrote, recounting the harrowing testimony of a 16-year-old girl who allegedly suffered repeated abuse at the hands of the priest since October 2024.
George, who served at Christ the King Church, was released in March after spending six months at the Monrovia Central Prison. His release came after his legal counsel, Cllr. Elisha T.J. Forkeyoh Sr., successfully filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing the government’s failure to indict him within the timeframe mandated by law. Liberia’s criminal procedure law requires that defendants be indicted within two court terms following arrest. The court granted the motion without opposition from state prosecutors, and the charges were dismissed without prejudice, allowing the state the option to refile the case.
Metzger, responding to this development, denounced what she called a “sick society” where perpetrators of sexual and violent crimes continue to walk free due to weak prosecutorial actions. She lamented that “so many victims’ cases are lingering on,” emphasizing that justice remains elusive for many in Liberia.
“To the victim and her mother, we believe you,” she added. “Justice delayed isn’t a denial. Truth crushed to the ground will rise one day.” She praised the courage of the young survivor and warned that unchecked perpetrators often reoffend.
Metzger tagged the Lady Justice Center of Liberia in her message and used hashtags like #NoJustice to draw attention to the broader crisis of impunity surrounding sexual violence in the country.
The priest’s release has kindled criticism of the justice system, with many questioning the commitment of state prosecutors to uphold the rights of victims, especially minors, in sensitive criminal matters.
