Gathering At Hospital Turns Violent

By Bill W. Cooper
The Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital was yesterday at a standstill when citizens in their hundreds assembled peacefully at the hospital calling for the immediate release of a citizen, known as Jestina Taylor who is said to be receiving treatment there.
The protest which started peacefully Thursday morning later turned chaotic when the owner of the Roots FM Radio Station, Henry P. Costa announced on his Costa Show that Jestina Taylor was to sit for an interview at the United States Embassy accredited near Monrovia.

In his proclamation, Costa announced that the government of Liberia was about to arrest the living body of Jestina and ordered his supporters to immediately resist the Liberia National Police (LNP) from arresting her on grounds that she committed no crime to be arrested by anyone.
Our reporter who visited the scene said that the incident lasted for almost the whole day with the closing of many businesses and homes around the hospital. The Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon, Gbarpolu County Senator, Daniel Nathan as well as the just ended George Weah Peace Award Winner, WIPTNET, other human rights activists and student groupings were present.
According to him, many protesters were seen with placards carrying the inscription, “In the cause to save000 Jestina Taylor, we are here!!! AJESO Group, says No to rape, stop violence against Women and she could be our Mother as well as other chanting slogan; ‘ We want Justice’, adding that many mothers were also seen sitting flat on the ground before the entrance of the hospital as one of the ladies threatened to undress herself if their daughter is not released.
He added that, based on the government’s refusal to release Ms. Taylor, led to the protesters angry retaliation, which later resulted to the throwing of stones by protesters to the LNP and the LNP also using teargas and wasting water at them while at the same time, a police officer was also seen kicking a journalist, that subsequently led to the falling of his camera.
Madam Taylor is the former head of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Women Wing who made widespread allegations against stalwarts of the CDC particularly Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson Koigee.
Jestina, a one-time staunch member of the ruling party, alleged in a live interview that she and other stalwarts of the party along Koigee were sent for arms on the orders of President George Weah while serving as standard bearer of the CDC. Jestina who was emphatic in her claims told journalists that she can produce evidence to substantiate her accusations against stalwarts of the CDC.
Following the revelation, it was reported that Jestina Taylor went missing for several days, but later surfaced in an unfinished building. Justina who was also unconscious when discovered narrated, after regaining consciousness, that she was drugged and ganged- raped by unknown men in an unfinished building along the beach. She was later taken to the Catholic Hospital for medication and has since been there undergoing treatment.
When speaking to Journalists following his intervention, Senator Dillon assured his supporter of Ms. Taylor removal from the hospital, while at the same time urging them to remain calm as he was trying to engage the necessary authority in order to find an amicable solution towards the situation.
He then added that his presence at the hospital was to inquire and authenticate the fact surrounding the issue of Ms. Taylor, stressing ‘the government is out for a mission, so please don’t cause any problem for Jestina, and I want you all to remain calm as we inquire the actual situation surrounding this whole matter, because the government is looking for a situation to act and shift blame on you peaceful protesters.’
Meanwhile, Jestina Taylor was finally discharged and turned over yesterday to the Network for Human Right Group in Liberia and Civil Society Organization who then signed for her. Ms. Taylor’s removal from the hospital came about, following a allege rigorous discussion between the Justice Ministry and other key Security actors in the country.
This paper also gathered that Ms. Taylor is now awaiting her interview from the US Embassy to leave for the United States of America for further treatment based on an advise by her Doctor in order to regain her full fitness.