For Speaking Against Human Rights Defenders
Monrovia, Liberia – Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a civil society organization, declares its support for the human rights activists in Liberia who are facing persecution for speaking out against the country’s culture of impunity.
These accused war criminals not only put their own safety in jeopardy by threatening to harm it with physical attacks, but they also seem to be abusing the legal system to intimidate, stifle, and harass others, which has resulted in numerous lawsuits.
What STAND refers to as frivolous lawsuits against human rights advocates are actually vexatious legal actions intended to intimidate, harass, and silence these brave voices in addition to discouraging them from coming forward with accusations of terrible crimes against top war criminals.
“The courage and unwavering resilience of Madam Massa Washington, Mr. Hassan Bility, Mr. Adama Dempster, and others, who continue to take a stance against impunity, often at great personal risk, inspire the leadership of STAND, despite this trend of harassment,” STAND says with a frown.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Mulbah K. Morlu, the organization expressed its unwavering support for these eminent human rights advocates. In light of the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, STAND urges the government of Liberia, in particular the Ministry of Justice, to take decisive action to safeguard these lawyers.
The Civic group asserted, “Amplifying calls from the Coalition for Justice in Liberia, STAND calls on all local and international organizations to stand in solidarity with Massa, Hassan, Adama, and others, and urges all of its local and global affiliates to show strong support.”
STAND stated that they will not remain silent in the face of the ongoing hostility that warlords have shown toward advocates. Instead, they will move quickly in the upcoming months to organize the civil society community in order to launch a widespread public awareness campaign that will discourage infamous war actors from harming and harassing advocates.
