One of the Commissioners at the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INHRC), Attorney Mohammed El-dust Fahnbulleh, has called on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to immediately suspend Director K. Massayan Sorsor who allegedly assaulted an elderly man identified as PA Gayflor.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a disturbing video circulating on Facebook, showed Director Sorsor of the MFDP physically assaulting the elderly man. The footage has ignited demands for justice, with activists, including Martin Kollie, calling for Sorsor’s immediate dismissal and prosecution. However, the MFDP issued a press release stating that the Legal Unit and Human Resource Department is reviewing the Ministry’s policy and Civil Service Agency (CSA) Policies before acting.
But Commissioner Fahnbulleh called on the Ministry to suspend the alleged doer while the matter is fully adjudicated in court. “Cognizance of my oversight role of the Department of Legislative Assistance, Treaty Matters and Law of the Human Rights Commission, I am demanding the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to immediately suspend Director Sorsor without pay pending the conclusion of the case,” said the Human Rights Commissioner in a statement.
Commissioner Fahnbulleh pointed out that his demand is consistent with Part IV of the National Code of Conduct governing public officials and employees of the Government of Liberia (GoL).
According to him, Part 4.3 titled: “Maintaining Dignity of the Public Service” requires every employee of the Government of Liberia to exhibit good conduct at ALL times, both at work and off duty.
“This provision further states that public officials shall not act in a manner against the honor or dignity of the public service.” He noted that Part 4.4 titled “Support for the vulnerable and physically challenged” requires all public officials and employees to support vulnerable and physically challenged persons or groups including persons with disabilities & aged persons.
“Secondly, the UN Principles for the Elderly emphasize the rights and needs of elderly persons. A core value is, dignity for the elderly! Elderly persons should be treated with dignity and protected by all especially younger persons.”
Commissioner Fahnbulleh urged the MFDP to demonstrate its support for the two instruments he referenced and suspend its director immediately, adding that there should be zero tolerance for such conduct in public space. “Every young person is a potential elderly person. Every able person is a potential disabled person. Respect the elderly! Suspend the Director now!,” he said.
