Calls for Accountability: The Case of Officer Boima Massaley and…

The Liberia Human Rights Report highlights severe human rights abuses, including police violence and systemic issues in the justice system. The tragic shooting of fisherman Favor by Officer Boima Massaley has prompted community outrage and calls for police accountability. The pattern of police brutality necessitates urgent reform to protect human rights and restore public trust in law enforcement.

The recent Liberia Human Rights Report highlights the ongoing human rights violations under the Liberian government, detailing severe cases such as arbitrary killings and detentions, inhumane prison conditions, and limitations on free expression. Additionally, it addresses systemic issues like corruption and negligence in responding to violence against women, including rape and domestic abuse. The report also raises concerns about human trafficking and laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relationships.

A tragic incident on February 12, 2025, where 22-year-old fisherman Favor was shot dead by off-duty Police Officer Boima Massaley, has further raised alarms regarding police conduct in Liberia. While enjoying a day at Gbanjor Beach, Officer Massaley confronted a group of youths smoking marijuana with intimidating aggression, brandishing his firearm. Eyewitnesses recount that, after firing multiple shots, one struck Favor, leading to his untimely death.

The community’s response to Favor’s death has been one of outrage, highlighting concerns over Officer Massaley’s previous behavior of carrying a firearm off-duty, creating an atmosphere of fear. Witnesses assert that there is no credible evidence suggesting the young men were armed or confrontational prior to the shooting, emphasizing the alarming trend of extrajudicial actions by law enforcement.

After the incident, local community members disarmed Officer Massaley as he attempted to flee, prompting the Liberia National Police to place him on administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern; in August 2024, another police-related shooting resulted in the death of a resident after an altercation with Police Inspector Fayiah, raising alarms about police violence in the area.

The prevalence of police power abuse and human rights violations persists in Liberia, affecting citizens under both military and democratic regimes. Extrajudicial killings, as defined by the United Nations, reflect the failures of state actors to uphold justice, born out of systemic issues in the justice system. These killings violate fundamental human rights, indicating a troubling trend of state-sanctioned violence against vulnerable populations.

In Liberia, police officers are vested with significant power yet often exceed ethical boundaries, engaging in acts of brutality and unlawful arrests. The deaths of Favor and Mr. Mohammed underscore this alarming trend of excessive use of force by the police. To address these issues, it is essential for the Liberia National Police to undergo comprehensive reform that emphasizes proper training and respects individual rights.

It is critical to separate the functions of law enforcement to prevent the police from acting as judge and executioner. The specific case of Officer Boima Massaley necessitates immediate legal actions to signal a commitment to accountability. Prosecuting him would demonstrate a willingness to confront police misconduct and restore public confidence in law enforcement, reinforcing the values of justice and human rights in Liberia.

The tragic shooting of Favor by Officer Boima Massaley raises serious concerns about police accountability and human rights in Liberia. It is essential for the Liberia National Police to reform and ensure officers are trained to respect the rights of individuals. Immediate legal actions against Officer Massaley can help restore public trust in law enforcement and reinforce the imperative of upholding human rights standards.

Original Source: www.thenewdawnliberia.com