For Bigamy, persistent non-support, and criminal facilitation
Monrovia, Liberia — The Monrovia City Court has issued a formal order of arrest for Henry Y. Cole, who is wanted for multiple criminal offenses, including bigamy, persistent non-support, and criminal facilitation. The order, signed by Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco, mandates the immediate apprehension of the defendant, who is currently evading law enforcement.
Bigamy, the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, is not only a legal offense but also a profound violation of trust and commitment. In Liberia, where traditional and customary marriages coexist with formal legal systems, bigamy can often go unreported or unpunished, leaving many women vulnerable and without recourse.
On the other hand, Persistent non-support refers to the failure of a spouse, typically the father, to provide financial support for their children and partner. According to the court’s order, Cole is accused of violating Section 16 of the New Penal Law of Liberia, specifically about the crimes of bigamy and persistent non-support. The court has expressed urgency in bringing Cole to justice, as he has reportedly absconded and is believed to be in hiding.
The order instructs all security officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), as well as personnel from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Executive Protection Service (EPS), and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), to locate and arrest Cole. Officers are directed to detain him at the nearest police station if apprehended outside of official working hours, ensuring he is presented before the court on the next working day.
The court’s directive emphasizes that the arrest of Cole is not only a matter of legal obligation but also a step towards ensuring accountability for actions that violate the rights and welfare of individuals. Also, the public is urged to report any information that may lead to the apprehension of Henry Y. Cole. The court has made it clear that this order constitutes a legal and binding authority, reflecting the seriousness with which it regards these charges.
The Societal Context and More:
In Liberia, societal norms and legal frameworks surrounding marriage and family dynamics are complex and often fraught with challenges. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Liberia has made strides in advancing gender equality, but significant gaps remain. Women often bear the brunt of economic hardships, particularly in the aftermath of the civil wars that devastated the country from 1989 to 2003.
A report by the World Bank highlights that women in Liberia are disproportionately affected by poverty, with many relying on informal employment and lacking access to education and health services. This economic vulnerability is compounded when faced with bigamy and persistent non-support, as women may find themselves struggling to provide for their children without the support of their partners.
International reports underscore the importance of addressing these issues within a broader framework of women’s rights and gender equality. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ratified by Liberia, calls for the elimination of discrimination against women in all areas of life, including marriage and family relations.
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) emphasizes the need for legal reforms to protect women’s rights and ensure that they have access to justice. This includes establishing mechanisms for enforcing child support and addressing the challenges posed by bigamy.
Women who are victims of bigamy often face financial insecurity, particularly if their husbands abandon them for a new partner. The lack of financial support can lead to increased poverty levels for women and their children, making it difficult to access basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education. Also, the betrayal associated with bigamy can lead to significant emotional distress for women. Feelings of abandonment, shame, and isolation can have long-lasting psychological effects and impact their mental health and overall quality of life.
