-Police Injure and arrest several protesters
By Jerromie S. Walters & Vaye A. Lepolu
Police in Monrovia on Tuesday arrested, severely injured, and unleashed multiple rounds of tear gas on peaceful protesters who had gone to the Capitol—home to the National Legislature—to advocate for the adherence to the rule of law in the ongoing crisis within the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature.
The protesters, who had previously gathered at Vamoma House, were met with a wall of noxious gas that sent many fleeing upon their arrival at the Capitol. The demonstration, dubbed “White Tuesday,” attracted a diverse crowd of Liberians, from ordinary citizens to prominent figures, all united under the banner of protecting their constitution, democracy, and the rule of law. Among them was Sekou Kalassco Damaro, a former presidential aide.
Voices of the protesters
Former Associate Justice Cllr. Pearl Brown expressed her support for the protest based on legal principles. She argued that the removal of the Speaker should be initiated by the Executive branch or by the legislators themselves, rather than through public protest. She emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Like her, other protesters voiced their concerns to journalists, asserting that the removal of Speaker Koffa would undermine Liberia’s democracy and violate legal protocols. They emphasized that any attempt to oust the Speaker without due process threatens the very foundations of governance in the Republic of Liberia.
The protest, which drew significant attention, was joined by several lawmakers, including Representative Eugene Kollie from Bong County, Lawmaker Saah Foko of Montserrado District #9, and Representative Yekeh Kolubah of MontserradoDistrict #10, who all frowned on what they termed a blatant violation of the Liberian constitution and disregard for the rule of law.
As narrated by other protesters, their action was to demonstrate to the international community the widespread discontent among Liberians regarding the potential removal of Speaker Koffa.
Tension heightened
The atmosphere shifted suddenly when the marchers reached Capitol Hill. Initially confronted by a small contingent of LNP officers stationed at a checkpoint quickly erected by the police, the protesters were allowed to pass with the support of Representatives, including Montserrado County District #9 and #10’s Yekeh Kolubah and Frank Saah Foko.
Their arrival at the front gate of the Capitol was met with unexpected hostility. Moments later, the situation heightened when LNP officers called for backup. This led to a swift and aggressive response that included the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some media outlets reported the use of live bullets, but the government later refuted the claim.
Many protesters were injured as they struggled to escape the noxious fumes, while a few other individuals collapsed due to the effects of the gas. While some protesters insisted that their gathering was in the interest of all Liberians—not just Speaker Koffa—a significant number of individuals were arrested, including women.
Gov’t Refutes Live Bullets Claims
The Government of Liberia says no live bullets were fired during the protest staged by some Liberians around the Capitol Building on Tuesday, as reported by some media entities.
“As far as the Government is aware and based on briefings from the Joint Security, law enforcement forces employed only non-lethal force to disperse protesters who were blocking the free flow of vehicular traffic and movements, not heeding police instructions, on the Capitol Bye-pass main road, around the seat of the National Legislature,” a MICAT press release stated.
It continues, “While the Government fully respects the rights of citizens to protest, such action must be exercised without violating the rights of others. Responsibly within its powers, the Government assures it will protect the peace, lives, and properties of citizens and residents alike and calls on the public to go about their normal activities.”
