Liberia: Chinese Nationals “Brutalize” Liberian Employee as Victim Alarms Over Selective Justice, Illegal Dismissal

The accused and the victim

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Labour has launched a probe into reports of an alleged assault on a Liberian worker by two Chinese nationals in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.

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By Obediah Johnson

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Victim Francis Flomo was allegedly assaulted by his bosses, one Mr. Liu and another unidentified Chinese national at a local Chinese restaurant O’Cake located adjacent the Giant Gym in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.

In a detailed report submitted to the Ministry of Labour, a copy which is in the possession of Frontpage Africa, victim Francis was physically attacked and assaulted by his bosses for allegedly playing with his phone during working hours.

The report claimed that the alleged perpetrators used steel and stick to physically assault defenseless victim Francis.

Police Intervention

Following the alleged assault, police officers riding a motorbike while on their regular patrol were requested by other aggrieved employees to arrest the situation. According to the report, the LNP officers later took the victim and the accused to the Palace Police Station in Swankamore Community, Oldest Congo Town, around the SKD Boulevard Junction, outside Monrovia.

It added that while at the police station, several unidentified Chinese nationals stormed the area with another police officer. “Shortly after, the officer at the Charge of Quarters who was investigating the case allegedly changed his approach. Instead of treating Francis Flomo as a victim of assault, he charged all three persons — the two Chinese nationals AND the young Liberian Francis Flomo — for “Disorderly Conduct” and effectively threw the case out.”

The report maintained that victim Francis suffered a swollened hand as a result of the assault. It disclosed that the victim was immediately sacked by his Chinese bosses immediately after the case was threw out by the police.

It noted that the victim bosses also refused to pay his one month salary. “The central question this incident leaves is: How can two men jump on a defenseless young boy, beat him with objects, and then the victim himself is charged for disorderly conduct by the police?,” it stated.

The report divulged that the incident points to the abuse and exploitation of a Liberian employee by his foreign bosses in Liberia

It added that the situation also denies the victim the payment of his fair wage and a compromised justice system in the Liberian society.

Meanwhile, the victim is calling on government to investigate the alleged use of influence at the police station to turn a clear assault case into a disorderly conduct charge, thereby denying the victim justice.

“The family and community are now calling for a proper investigation into the matter by the Liberia National Police Professional Standards Division and the Ministry of Labour.”

Labour Inspector General Mr. John O. F. Kangbah reportedly led a team of LNP officers at the restaurant late Tuesday afternoon and requested the management to produce the accused Chinese nationals.

But the management reportedly failed to produce the accused. However, the Labour Inspector promised to shutdown the Chinese restaurant if management fails to produce the accused today Wednesday, September 23.