Monrovia-Liberia National Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman, has called out civil society organizations, rights advocates, and justice campaigners for their silence following the killing of Police Officer Mark D. Bracewell.
Speaking during the burial of the slain officer over the weekend, IG Coleman questioned the conspicuous absence of voices that typically challenge the state on human rights violations, asking: “Where are the human rights voices? Where are the activists? Where are the so-called defenders of justice?”
Officer Bracewell died on September 29, after allegedly confronting a commercial taxi driver at a checkpoint near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge.
Police investigations indicate that the driver, Francis Nana, allegedly attempted to bribe Officer Bracewell after being asked to produce his driver’s license.
When the officer refused the bribe and tried to prevent the vehicle from fleeing, Nana reportedly ran him over in anger, resulting in his death.
IG Coleman described the reaction, or lack thereof, from advocacy groups as a troubling double standard, noting that law enforcement officers are often vilified in public discourse but rarely defended when they become victims of violence while performing their duties.
“Is Officer Bracewell’s right not worth defending?” Coleman asked. “We are human beings too. The uniform we wear represents the sovereignty of this country. If you won’t respect the individual, respect the symbol of national service.”
He lamented the growing trend of public disrespect toward the police, highlighting frequent instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and violent confrontation, despite ongoing efforts by the police to improve community relations.
Quoting Romans 13:2 from the Bible, the police chief linked the attack to what he called a spirit of rebellion against lawful authority.
He praised Officer Bracewell as a hero who laid down his life in service to the nation.
“Bracewell did not die in vain. God will reward him,” Coleman told the grieving family. “And to our officers, do not panic. Wherever you go, God will protect you.”
Joining the call for justice, Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, denounced the killing and emphasized the urgent need to better equip the police.
“This country must not become a place where people attack public officials with impunity,” Minister Tweh said.
“When law enforcement officers are attacked, it is the nation itself that is under threat.”
He argued that a properly equipped police force would deter violent actions against officers, stating that national service is the highest calling and deserves full public respect, regardless of political or personal differences.
“Our police officers work day and night, in rain and sun, to protect the public. They must not be deterred. We stand fully behind them, and anyone who harms them will face the law,” the Justice Minister declared.
In a rare display of solidarity, dozens of joint security officers accompanied suspect Francis Nana to court this week, demonstrating unity in mourning their fallen colleague.
As Liberia reels from the shock of Officer Bracewell’s death, IG Coleman urged the nation to see the tragedy as a wake-up call.
“This is not just about one officer. It’s about respect for law and order, for the uniform, and for the Republic itself,” he said.
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