Human Rights Advocate Urges Liberian Government To Set Up Panel Of Inquiry Over Ritual Killings

A United Nations human rights expert Morris Tidball-Binz on Friday called on the Liberian government to investigate the current spate of dastard killings in the country some of which have been linked to ritualistic practices.

At least 10 people have been reportedly killed in questionable circumstances this year including five in September said to have suspected links to ritualistic practices or political motivations.

According to a report by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, three of the most recent victims were either former officials or had links to high profile former politicians.

According to the report, the Liberian Independent National Commission on Human Rights and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court have both called for full investigations into the killings.

“Prompt, independent and thorough investigations into potentially unlawful killings is a key component of the right to life.

“These investigations should be conducted in accordance with the standards enshrined in The Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death,” said Tidball-Binz who is a medical doctor with specialty in forensic science, human and Humanitarian rights.

“Investigations should fully explore all possible motivations for these killings.

“Investigations should not only be aimed at bringing those responsible to justice, but also to draw necessary lessons for revising practices and policies with a view to avoiding repeated violations.”

UN human rights bodies it is gathered have previously raised concerns and called for investigations into ritualistic killings in Liberia, including the Human Rights Committee in 2018.