Monrovia, Liberia - I am exceedingly shocked by a distasteful video circulating on social media, in which two females were stripped naked and assaulted by some residents of Sinoe County. According to the report, the females were alleged of indulging in witchcraft. The report further suggests that the females were three in number, and one died due to severe acts of torture.

It is extremely demeaning for females, regardless of the allegations, to be paraded in the streets naked as a punitive measure for their actions or inactions. Let me categorically condemn in the strongest term any act of torture against women in Liberia and the world at large.

The Government of Liberia, under the able leadership of His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah has demonstrated unquestionable political will to bridge the gap of gender inequality to ensure protection of women’s rights.

I will, at this juncture, applaud the Liberia National Police for making some immediate arrests of perpetrators, and admonish them to ensure that those found guilty, bear the full weight of the law. As a global icon for women’s rights and gender equality, I will exert all efforts to ensure that women are safe, secure and dignified.

Let me empathize with the families of those tortured women, who will continue to carry the scars of humiliation and public ridicule being displayed. I want to reaffirm my commitment to the affected women and their families, and I will cross all barriers to ensure that the case is brought to its logical conclusion, sparing no perpetrator, within the confines of the law.