Monrovia – The National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NACAHP) has condemned the administration of “Trial by Ordeal,” which allegedly claimed the lives of more than five people, mostly women, in Gblor Dialah and other parts of Nimba County.
NACAHP calls on the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other relevant authorities to intervene, restore calm, and ensure that the alleged perpetrators are brought to justice.
This statement follows an unconfirmed report from Gblor Dialah, Tippita District, Nimba County, concerning the deaths of more than five citizens, mostly women, due to an alleged trial by ordeal conducted by a female Ivorian Fetish Priest. The ceremony was reportedly conducted with the approval of the Town Chief and other citizens of Dial Town on July 23, 2024.
“The National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NACAHP) condemns in the strongest terms the violation of the inalienable fundamental human rights of those allegedly killed as the result of the trial by ordeal,” the group said.
NACAHP referenced Chapter III, Article 20 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which states:
“No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege, or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provisions laid down in this Constitution and by due process of law. Justice shall be done without sale, denial, or delay; and in all cases not arising in courts not of record, under courts-martial and upon impeachment, the parties shall have the right to trial by jury.”
Additionally, the group noted that Liberia has signed and ratified, without reservation, the United Nations Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as a State Party. Both provide that no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
“The alleged action by the said fetish priest, under the supervision of the Town Chief of Dialah Town, is a gross violation of the laws of the Republic of Liberia and a total disregard for human life,” NACAHP stated.
In response to these allegations, NACAHP is calling on the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, to ensure that those linked to the alleged acts are thoroughly investigated, brought to justice, and punished under Liberian law.
The group further recommended that the government uphold the rule of law and protect citizens, especially women and girls, against torture and any inhumane actions. They urged replacing culturally harmful practices with enriching alternatives that respect the lives, dignity, and well-being of women and girls.
NACAHP also called on all Liberians to join in fostering a country where the rights and dignity of every woman and girl are upheld and defended, condemning any acts that undermine the survival, development, and growth of the country.
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