Liberia - February 2026

On 20 February 2026, armed men broke into the offices of the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP), a Liberian organization that documents atrocities committed during the country’s civil wars and supports accountability efforts through international war crimes prosecutions. Three men, armed with a rifle and knives, attacked and assaulted a security guard and threatened Hassan Bility, the director of the organization. The incident occurred amid reports of increasing threats and intimidation against witnesses and investigators involved in war crimes cases before courts in the United States and Europe, raising concerns about the security of organizations engaged in documenting and reporting those violations. Human rights organizations called on the government to provide effective protection for those participating in accountability processes and to thoroughly investigate the attack. The incident may have a chilling effect on investigative work, witness cooperation, and public efforts to promote accountability for conflict-era crimes. It also highlights ongoing concerns regarding personal security and impunity for threats against human rights defenders and accountability actors. 

Sources: All Africa; Human Rights Watch