Published: December 8, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberian human rights advocate Abigail B. L. Freeman has faced a surge of intimidation, cyber harassment, and direct threats after she used her social media platforms to speak openly against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful traditional practices — a topic that remains politically and culturally sensitive, especially in parts of Nimba County.
Freeman, Founder of the Alliance for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (APJHR), is known nationally for her advocacy on behalf of rural women and girls. But recent messages sent to her Facebook inbox, as well as public threats posted in comment sections, suggest a coordinated attempt to silence her.
A String of Threatening Messages
Screenshots shared with this newsroom show an individual identifying herself as “Martha Mezee” sending Freeman a barrage of menacing messages. In the exchanges, the sender claimed she had “visited” Freeman’s home and attached a photograph of a house she alleged was the activist’s residence.
“See you little child. The day you will step in Nimba you will regret it,” one message read.
In another warning, the same account accused Freeman of “crossing boundaries” with her advocacy, adding:
“If you do not stop talking about the sande bush, you have yourself to blame.”
At one point, the sender threatened that “action will speak,” after Freeman informed her that she had reported the account to police and alerted her family.
Public Harassment on Social Media
Beyond private messages, Freeman has been subjected to hostile and degrading public comments.
One commenter, using the name Willee G. Nimbacounty Firstborn, attacked her personally, writing:
“Please stop spreading your stupidity… Our tradition is beautiful and unique.”
Another commenter, reacting angrily to her posts condemning FGM, wrote:
“Enjoy yourself with your story. One day you will know what put water in coconut.”
In a separate thread, a man identified as Benjamin Smith issued what appeared to be a veiled warning:
“A reminder, the day of reckoning is at hand.”
Human rights experts note that such public incitement, coupled with private threats and doxxing attempts, fits a pattern of targeted reprisals that women activists in Liberia increasingly face — particularly when advocating against entrenched cultural practices.
A Known Voice for Vulnerable Women
Freeman is widely recognized for her work across Liberia. A Nobel Sisters-to-Sister alumna, SUSI alumna, and recipient of the 2021 Princess Diana Award, she has led grassroots campaigns on legal awareness, community empowerment, and protection for survivors of violence.
She previously contested for the representative seat in Nimba County District #1 — a region where FGM remains a politically delicate subject.
Her activism has long challenged powerful networks tied to traditional societies. But the recent escalation raises fresh concerns about her safety, especially with threats referencing her physical movements and alleged surveillance.
Growing Concerns for Safety
Human rights groups contacted for comment say Freeman’s case is “alarming” and reflects a broader trend of reprisals against women activists speaking against FGM.
A senior civil society advocate, who requested anonymity due to fear of backlash, said:
“The threats directed at Abigail demonstrate how hostile the environment can be for women defending human rights. When activists are told that entering certain counties will bring harm, that is no longer debate — that is intimidation.”
Liberia formally outlawed FGM for minors under the Domestic Violence Act, but enforcement remains weak, and adult cutting is still legal. Efforts to abolish the practice entirely have been met with political resistance, particularly from traditional leaders and lawmakers.
Police Report Filed
Freeman confirmed that she has reported the threats to the Liberia National Police. She has also informed family members as a precaution.
Digital security experts warn that sending photos of a person’s alleged home, combined with threats of physical retaliation, constitutes a serious risk, especially in rural settings where state protection may be limited.
Advocacy Continues Despite Threats
Despite the intimidation, Freeman says she remains committed to her work.
“Women and girls deserve better,” she wrote in one of her replies to the threats. “You cannot silence me. You are not God.”
Her statement echoes her broader message: that the rights of women in Liberia cannot be negotiated or suppressed by fear.
A Call for Protection
Civil society groups are calling on the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Gender, and law enforcement to take the threats seriously and ensure Freeman’s protection.
With FGM discussions rising nationally, particularly after government commitments to end the practice, activists say the security of frontline advocates must be prioritized.
As investigations begin, Freeman’s case highlights a growing danger to digital advocacy in Liberia: online harassment that spills over into real-world threats.
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