LIBERIA Young man was caught attempting theft in rural Liberia. The villagers did not call the police but took justice into their own hands. They collectively beat him.
In Liberia, especially in rural areas, the practice of street justice is a serious problem, and various human rights organizations have repeatedly warned about it. Beyond thieves and violent offenders, there is also evidence of lynching of alleged witches.
The Liberian government has repeatedly tried to address the problem through campaigns organized by the Ministry of Justice and by strengthening community policing. Although these are steps in the right direction, it will likely take a long time to change the mindset of rural communities.
