Monrovia, Liberia – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), denounces the police raid on August 22 that was purportedly intended to target the Small Town neighborhood but ended up encroaching on the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters.
STAND demands an expeditious inquiry into the regrettable occurrence that caused chaos and fear, halted regular business operations, and resulted in several injuries to both parties. To ensure that such incidents don’t happen again, STAND urges that individuals in charge be held accountable and subject to the proper penalties.
STAND maintained that even if those suspected of committing crimes had infiltrated the grounds of a significant opposition political party, the police nevertheless ought to have proceeded with the utmost caution. Given this, the most sensible course of action would have been to politely, respectfully, and peacefully interact with the CDC leadership, asking for their assistance in locating the people who are said to have entered the facility.
Political party headquarters ought to have some sanctity and be exempt from the use of force and heavy weaponry, much like houses of worship and embassies, according to STAND. Such behavior is against human rights and basic decency.
STAND believes it desirable that the Government of Liberia pay for the medical care of all injured parties and make up for any losses to products and property in the affected areas, in accordance with human decency and civilized norms.
STAND’s statement is based on the results of its exploratory study. Following the hearings from eyewitnesses, the examination of independent media’s video footage of the incident, and the government’s statement in a press release, STAND is upset that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), supported by the Liberia National Police (which subsequently took over full operational control), raided the Congress for Democratic Change’s premises without a search and seizure warrant.
praising Liberia’s emerging democracy, STAND emphasizes that the country’s government and law enforcement organizations cannot disregard the rule of law, which requires that people’s rights both private and public must always be respected, protected, and guaranteed, regardless of the situation or suspicions raised against them.
It is clear that the alternative explanation offered by the Liberian government for the raid which holds that after a DEA “Special Operation” in the neighborhood where the party is located, CDC members provoked the police is baseless and inappropriate, STAND noted.
STAND in its communication said, the leadership of the Drug Enforcement Agency should have responded wisely by informing the party’s leadership and taking precautions to prevent unnecessary conflict and escalation in light of the Congress for Democratic Change’s obvious presence in the targeted location.
They added that authorized democratic freedom includes both lawful agitation and nonviolent protest. It’s time for law enforcement agencies and their personnel to accept protests as lawful rather than seeing them as non-threatening forms of exercise that should be discouraged.
The civil society group maintained that Peaceful protests are a powerful force for social change and are necessary for citizen engagement in a pluralistic democratic society when they are managed appropriately and within the law. They give people and organizations the ability to voice their opinions, express disapproval, and make legitimate demands of the state or other institutions, whether they be public or private.
STAND encourages the DEA and security agencies to scrupulously adhere to due process in their fight against illicit substances, ensuring that abuse and overreach are avoided, while supporting government efforts to prevent drug abuse and related crimes.
STAND reminds the government that it is primarily responsible for maintaining peace, security, and stability within the state, and this constitutional obligation should always guide its operational approach.
STAND exhorts all organizations, including the CDC, to use the legal system to pursue justice if their rights are violated rather than using violence or doing other acts that would put the public at risk, including members of their own party.
STAND also believes it is time for President Joseph Boakai to prioritize national reconciliation and unity as a key governance focus.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
