The blood of Liberian citizen Matthew Mulbah cries out from the ground of a broken nation. A young man, known for his peaceful nature and humility in his community, has tragically become the latest victim of Liberia’s failing justice system; murdered in cold blood by those who were supposed to protect him.
For fifteen years, Matthew lived among his neighbors, earning a reputation as a kind, respectful, and law-abiding citizen. Just three weeks ago, he began to show signs of mental distress. His family tried to help him find treatment, but he refused. Aside from attending church once, he mostly stayed indoors. The only person he felt comfortable enough to let in was his brother’s fiancée, his sister-in-law, the one presence that brought him some calm.
The Final Hours
On that fateful day, Matthew’s brother called from a distance, asking a family friend to gather help to take Matthew to a mental health facility. His words were filled with compassion and clarity: “Do not hurt him. If he resists, just leave him. I don’t want a single scratch on his body.” The group attempted to help, but when Matthew refused to open the door and appeared with a knife, they stepped back. They sought assistance from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), but the ERU turned them away, claiming they didn’t have the manpower to respond.
Moments later, Matthew’s girlfriend arrived with police officers. The family informed the officers that Matthew was mentally disturbed, but the police disregarded this vital information and approached with aggression. They broke into his room, shouting commands at a terrified man in the midst of a mental crisis. In a panic, Matthew raised a knife in fear. The police responded with a hail of gunfire—eight bullets, according to his mother, Madam Beauty Brumskine.
“They shot him in the abdomen and the chest,” she said, her voice trembling. “They knew my son was sick—why did they shoot to kill?” Let’s be clear: what happened here was murder. Matthew didn’t need bullets; he needed care. He deserved a doctor, not a firing squad. The officers who took his life acted with cold intent. They shot directly at his abdomen and chest, showing not a hint of restraint but a desire to take life away. The government under Joseph Boakai can’t pretend they didn’t know; the police were informed and still chose to execute.
A Nation That Kills Its Weak Has Lost Its Soul. When a nation starts executing its own mentally ill citizens, it’s a sign that the state has lost its humanity. The police, who should be protectors, have turned into death squads—armed and devoid of conscience. If Matthew had been the child of a government official, medical help would have been summoned, not killers. But because he was just an ordinary Liberian, his life was seen as disposable.
Justice Must Speak
We demand justice for Matthew Mulbah. Those who pulled the trigger and those who gave the orders must be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable in the public eye. Liberia must break this cycle of state-sponsored executions and rebuild a police force that serves the people, not slaughters them. We Will Not Be Silent. We refuse to let this horrific act fade into silence. We will keep speaking Matthew’s name until truth and justice are served.
His blood marks a pivotal moment, a reminder that the fight for human dignity in Liberia is far from over. “The question isn’t who killed Matthew; we already know that. The real question is: will Liberia find the courage to hold the killers accountable?” Until that day comes, every bullet that struck Matthew Mulbah continues to resonate, not just in his mother’s tears, but in the conscience of a nation that must never rest again. Justice for Matthew Mulbah! Justice for Every Liberian Life Lost to State Violence!
Op-Ed By: F. Jacob Fassama – Human Rights Activist
