The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has welcomed the arrest and detention of an alleged rape suspect Johnson Chulutah by the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The suspect is a 48-year-old man that allegedly raped and impregnated his then 12-year-old stepdaughter.
It can be recalled that a week ago, a video was posted on social media in which the survivor narrated a dreadful rape experience meted against her by her stepfather, which eventually led to an unintended pregnancy. According to the survivor, the unfortunate incident took placed in Monrovia about two (2) years ago but was never reported.
On May 27, 2020, the Liberia National Police picked up the mother of the survivor, Mary Chulutah, who is still married to suspect Johnson, for questioning.
LNP’s Inspector General Police Patrick Sudue placed a call directly to MGCSP’s Minister W.E. Saydee-Tarr and informed her that the alleged perpetrator Johnson Chulutah was arrested in Mount Barclay Community, Montserrado County. This arrest occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2020 following a tip-off.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is also pleased to announce that with the direct intervention of the Minister of Justice and the LNP Team led by the Inspector General, the survivor and her child have been transferred to Monrovia and placed into the custody of the MGCSP. The Survivor and her baby are presently in a safe home, receiving wellness care, including psychosocial counseling, medical care for both, as well as the provision of basic necessities.
The Ministry assures the public that it will remain fully engaged in pursuing timely justice for the Survivor. We shall continue in our quest for Justice for all Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) that are still lingering.
Gender again applauds the public on reporting of SGBV cases but at the same time, cautions all whistle blowers, the media and the public at large, to kindly protect the names and faces of survivors as they have a right to privacy under the law.