3 July 2009
Monrovia — An executive of the New Deal Movement, Professor Alaric K. Tokpa is suggesting and appealing to the National Legislature, Liberia's lawmaking boy, to consider making 'Torture' a crime in Liberia.
According to him, it should form part of Liberia's criminal law because it is being considered by United Nations (UN) and other countries in the World as one of the inhumane, cruel and degrading tools used against people.
Prof. Tokpa, who teaches at University of Liberia, also former Vice Standard-bearer of the New Deal Movement, one of the many political parties in the 2005 general and presidential elections, made the statement yesterday at the opening of a one-day Civil Society Awareness' Workshop on Anti-Torture Campaign in Monrovia.
Speaking on the topic 'Legislative Advocating and Lobbing Tactics; The Process of Law Making,' he said since torture is an offense in the country, it was time that the National Legislature make same a law under the Liberia's justice system.
The one-day workshop which was funded by the Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) and implemented by Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL), is one of many workshops conducted in three counties namely Margibi, Bong and Montserrado.
Prof. Tokpa, a political activist, challenged the over 20 civil society representatives and Liberians at large to stand up for the quest to have torture as crime and ensure that would-be perpetrators face prosecution under the criminal laws of Liberia.
Pointing out many issues concerning dealing with lawmakers in the perspective of lobbying, he cautioned members and executives of Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) to be focused and creative in their pursuit to make torture a crime in the country.
At the same time, civil society group representatives who attended the just ended workshop are expected to draft an Anti-Torture Bill to be presented to the National Legislature for possible passage in order to make torture a national crime.
Recently, the Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL), joined the United Nations (UN), on June 26, 2009 in commemorating the International Day in support of victims of torture by creating awareness for how torture can be prevented in Liberia.
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