..Public Demands Greater Transparency
By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Ministry of Justice has formally concluded that the death of Mr. Anwar Futloo, the former manager of Boulevard Place Hotel, was a result of suicide, following a government-ordered autopsy conducted earlier this year.
Despite the Ministry’s assurance that the investigation was handled with transparency, persistent questions from the public surrounding the case remain.
Mr. Futloo, a foreign national whose country of origin has not been publicly specified by the government, was discovered dead under circumstances initially described as “suspicious.” The incident sparked public concern, with residents demanding clarity amid widespread speculation.
In response, the Ministry of Justice commissioned a full forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The examination was performed on January 7, 2025, by state pathologist Dr. Benedict Kolee at St. Moses Funeral Parlours on Somalia Drive. The Ministry noted that the procedure was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, law enforcement representatives, and mortuary personnel to ensure independence and credibility.
Dr. Kolee’s findings concluded that the cause of death was “unnatural, being consistent with a self-directed action,” a forensic phrasing that confirms suicide.
Based on this medical interpretation, the Ministry of Justice has officially closed the case.
While the Ministry stressed that the investigation is closed, it clarified that the file is not sealed. The case may be reopened if new, verifiable evidence or credible information is brought forward by the public.
However, the announcement has not quelled public skepticism.
Many Liberians are questioning the completeness of the government’s explanation, particularly details concerning the circumstances under which Mr. Futloo is said to have taken his own life, the exact location of the incident, and additional background information about him as a foreign national.
Some citizens are openly demanding Clarity on whether any international forensic experts were involved. The specific methods used during the autopsy and an explanation for why certain case details have not been publicly disclosed.
The Ministry is urging the public to respect the scientific findings and to allow the grieving family the space to mourn, while reaffirming its openness to reviewing the case should new information surface.
Mr. Futloo’s death comes at a time when Liberia is facing increasing public scrutiny over the handling of suspicious deaths, the effectiveness of forensic investigations, and the country’s broader struggle with mental health awareness. The case has become a test of institutional trust, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and whether justice has truly been served.
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