PLEEBO, Aug. 26 (LINA) – A group under the banner Maryland Advocacy Group (MAG), says it is deeply concerned about the mysterious death of former Tubman University employee, John Yao Shesie on July 27, in Harper City and related-cases in recent times in the county.
It can be recalled that 54 year-old Shesie, an employee of the William V.S. Tubman University Mechanical Department was found dead in a bathtub at his Green Street residence at about 7:30 p.m., according to state security and family sources.
His body was said to have been discovered with several wounds. A knife was also found on the scene, according to family sources and eyewitnesses.
Appearing on a local radio station in Pleebo recently, the Maryland Advocacy Group Secretary General, Aaron Collins, stressed that the safety and protection of the lives of individuals is one of the fundamental rights provided for in Article 11 (a) of the Liberian
Constitution, and outlined in numerous human rights instruments and fundamental principles of life, including good democratic governance.
He said as a signatory to many international treaties, Liberia is under both domestic and international obligations to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld.
Collins recounted the death of a 24 year-old motorcyclist identified as Bill Myers on the Harper-Little Wlebo highway on January 27, 2019, and the discovery of the dead body of 44 year-old Isaac D. Weah in the premises of the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) on November 23, 2019, after going missing for three days from the Wlowien Community.
MAG also referred to the recent reported disappearance of the corpse of an 83-year-old lady identified as Theresa Mieh from her grave at the Catholic Cemetery in Pleebo, among others.
« Historically, Maryland County, especially Harper, has recorded frequent cases of mysterious, unjustifiable and horrible deaths, usually with mutilated bodies of innocent citizens and residents, » Collins recalled, stressing that their organization has observed that in most cases perpetrators go with impunity and victims’ families are left in tears and agony.”
Collins reiterated that « this culture of impunity, as a result of the usual insufficient evidence to prosecute perpetrators of these barbaric acts, continues to instil fear and panic among citizens and residents of the county; thereby causing serious injuries to the reputation and image of Maryland County. »
The MAG official believes that any environment in which mutilated bodies of peaceful individuals are frequently discovered, and where state security are unequipped to conduct successful investigations to bring perpetrators to justice in a timely fashion, cannot be attractive to investors.
« These cruel and inhumane acts scare potential investors and derail our already fragile peace and shrinking economy, » he lamented.
Collins added that in the wake of these growing waves of horrendous killings with corresponding impunities, « the torch bearers of MAG are deeply worried about the security and peace of the people and are committed to the promotion of stability through genuine advocacy. We unconditionally condemn these broad day murders to the highest level. »
Meanwhile, the Maryland Advocacy Group, through its secretary general, is calling on the joint security and authorities to intensify efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice; and to strengthen measures to prevent further occurrence of mysterious deaths in the county.
“At the same time, it has come to the attention of the Maryland Advocacy Group that Mrs. Catherine Mamie Shesie was recently forwarded to court on multiple criminal charges in connection with the death of her husband John Yao Shesi. We hail the police and describe this move as a step in the right direction, and an effort to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Similarly, we call on the judiciary and the justice system to accord Mrs. Shesi a fair and speedy trial, » Collins stated on a local radio.
The Maryland Advocacy Group is, at the same time, calling on national government to provide training in forensic investigation to state security and to ensure forensic examination equipment are provided to the Maryland County Police detachment to assist in investigations to bring alleged perpetrators to justice.
The MAG Secretary General is also urging citizens to remain calm as it works along with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is done for all victims of mysterious deaths.
