“It is obvious that the rule of law does not and will not always deliver what we may want, but it keeps the society safe and peaceful as opposed to people taking the law into their own hands,” Brown stressed.

The Information Ministry Boss was speaking Tuesday at the ministry’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.

He observed that there are growing public concerns about mob violence, noting that as UNMIL continues its drawdown, cases of mob violence are seemingly growing, with mobs killing victims and turning against security forces who attempt to intervene.

“This year alone, we have experienced mob violence in Montserrado, Sinoe, Grand Bassa, River Gee and Nimba counties, leaving trails of deaths and/or destruction and every time we experience mob violence, we explore ways to ensure it never reoccurs,” Brown pointed out.

Quoting an American Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Welner, Brown said: “Mob violence is typically started with very little planning and a small band of hardened criminals who set off the lawlessness.”

He added: “When we explain looting and violence that characterize mob violence as ‘anger’ and ‘disenchantment’ by ‘disaffected youth’ it carries with it an entitlement that legitimizes lawlessness.”

Brown also quotes Dr. Welner as saying: “Local communities must reject looting as a shame to the community as well as a repulsive behavior that embarrasses them and that such rejections must come loudly from churches, schools, public officials and from neighbors."
LINA PSN/TSS/PTK