The Liberia National Police (LNP) says it has begun an active investigation and operational manhunt to identify and arrest individuals captured in a viral video allegedly involved in the public assault, harassment, and humiliating treatment of a woman in the Red-Light commercial area of Paynesville.
In a press release issued Friday, May 8, 2026, the LNP strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a disturbing act of mob violence and public vigilantism that violates both the law and the principles of human dignity.
According to the Police, the actions seen in the video, including the alleged forcible undressing and public humiliation of the woman, are “unlawful, degrading, and wholly inconsistent with the values of a democratic society governed by the rule of law.”
The LNP emphasized that no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands by assaulting, intimidating, or publicly humiliating another person, regardless of the allegations involved.
“The public humiliation and forcible undressing of any person represent serious violations of individual dignity, personal security, and fundamental human rights,” the statement noted.
Police authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against mob justice, gender-based violence, public abuse, and all forms of extrajudicial punishment, warning that those connected to the incident will face legal consequences once identified.
The LNP further stressed that all allegations of wrongdoing must be handled through lawful investigative and judicial channels, not through acts of violence or vigilantism carried out by members of the public.
At the same time, the Police disclosed that steps are being taken to ensure the safety, protection, and dignity of the victim while investigations continue.
Authorities are now calling on the public to cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could help identify those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or sharing content that could further traumatize the victim or interfere with ongoing investigations.
