By Figo Mansaray
Tapitta City, Nimba County – The Tappita City Magisterial Court has transferred a 19-year-old man identified as Torwon Freeman to the Sanniquillie Central Prison for allegedly raping a 16 years old girl in Tappita City, Lower Nimba County.
The perpetrator was arrested on July 27, 2021 by the Liberia National Police Tappita Detail following a complaint filed by one of the neighbors who spotted Torwon allegedly raping the victim.
The police charge sheet indicated that the victim had gone on the main street to walkabout on the night of July 26. While on her back home, Torwon engaged her and asked her to go with him to his house. When they arrived at his house, Torwon reportedly asked the victim for sex but she refused. He allegedly resorted to assaulting and raping her.
During the police preliminary investigation, the perpetrator admitted to the act, but contended that he has been in an amorous relationship with the girl for past three months.
Meanwhile, perpetrator Torwon Freeman has been forwarded to the Sanniquillie Central prison awaiting court trial.
When Punch FM/TV Online Service contact the head of the Women and Children Protection Division of the LNP Tappita Detail, Mr Jones Dwah disclosed that the issue of rape and sexual gender based violence is increasing in Tappita Statutory District.
Mr. Dwah at the same time called on residents of the district to advise their sons and relatives to desist from the act, because the Government of Liberia will not compromise if anyone is found guilty.
The Government of Liberia enacted legislation to amend the new Penal Code of June 1976 Chapter 14, Section 14.70 and 14.71 (the Rape Law). This Act states that a person who has sexual intercourse with another person (male or female) without his/her consent has committed rape that is punishable by ten (10) years or lifetime imprisonment depending on the degree of the rape (rape of a minor, rape resulting in serious bodily harm, rape using a weapon, gang rape). The new rape law came into force in January 2006. The Act also requires in-camera hearings for all rape cases.
According to Section 14.70 (a) (i) of the January 2006 Amended Rape Law, “A person how has sexual intercourse with another person (male or female) has committed rape if: (a) (i) He intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus, mouth or any other opening of another person (male or female) with his penis, without the victim’s consent; or (b) the victim is less than eighteen years old, provided the actor is eighteen years of age or older.
_____________________________
Figo Mansaray is a Liberian journalist practicing with Vahun Community Radio and the LOFA EYE Newspaper. Figo, a prospective Graduate at the University of Liberia, who also reads Mass Communication at the Lincoln College of Professional Studies, can be contacted via +231777489052/+231881734014.
