Liberia: Rule of Law Caucus Chairman Condemns Police for ‘Arbitrary’ Arrests, Calls for Immediate Launch
Monrovia – The Chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus, Musa Bility, has strongly condemned the Liberia National Police for what he termed because the “unlawful” arrest of people linked to the current Capitol Building fireplace. Bility is asking for his or her quick launch and urging the worldwide neighborhood to intervene to stop Liberia from descending right into a disaster.
By Gerald C. [email protected]
In a press assertion, Bility warned of the federal government’s obvious disregard for the rule of regulation.
“We call on the government to release those unlawfully detained and conduct a credible investigation. The international community must intervene now to prevent Liberia from descending into crisis. The government must respect the rule of law, or it will face the full resistance of the Liberian people,” he stated.
He continued, “Liberia’s hard-won peace and democratic progress are under threat. The government’s recent actions, including arbitrary arrests and alleged torture of individuals linked to the Capitol fire, signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. These arrests, made without charges or transparency, are clear attempts to intimidate lawmakers and silence dissent.”
Accusations of Police Abuse
The police have confronted widespread criticism over their dealing with of the Capitol Building fireplace investigation. Bility accused state safety businesses of abusing their energy, warning that such actions threaten to pull Liberia again into instability.
“We will not tolerate the creation of a police state,” he stated. “The Liberian people must stand united against these actions and demand accountability. Liberia belongs to its people—not to a government bent on intimidation and fear. We will not back down.”
Police Deny Arbitrary Detention Claims
During a current press convention, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman said that the Joint Security staff has gathered proof suggesting the hearth was attributable to arson. Coleman added that people deemed to have a battle of curiosity could be invited for additional investigation.
When requested about allegations of arbitrary detentions, Coleman stated all people initially detained after the incident had been launched by authorized negotiations. However, there have been complaints that the police are detaining individuals past the authorized timeframe.
Etheridge’s Case Highlights Alleged Rights Violations
One high-profile case includes Thomas Etheridge, a resident of Brewerville, who was arrested close to the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024. Etheridge has been in detention since then, allegedly with out being charged inside the constitutionally mandated 48-hour interval.
Etheridge’s lawyer, Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi of the International Law Group, filed a petition earlier than Criminal Court B, alleging illegal detention and inhumane therapy by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
The petition claims Etheridge was tortured and coerced to offer false statements throughout his detention. His authorized staff argues that the detention violates a number of provisions of the Liberian Constitution, together with:
• Article 20(a): Guaranteeing liberty, safety, and due course of.
• Article 21(e): Prohibiting torture and inhumane therapy of detainees.
• Article 21(f): Requiring that arrested people be charged and offered in courtroom inside 48 hours.
The petition seeks a writ of habeas corpus to compel the authorities to justify Etheridge’s continued detention.
Court Orders Immediate Action
Assigned Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody has issued a writ of habeas corpus, commanding the LNP, NSA, and the Ministry of Justice to current Etheridge on the Temple of Justice on January 13. The courtroom will decide whether or not his detention aligns with constitutional and statutory necessities.
In the meantime, the courtroom has ordered the police to launch Etheridge and place him beneath the care of the sheriff till his courtroom look.
FrontPageAfrica has but to verify whether or not there are extra people nonetheless in detention associated to the Capitol Building fireplace.
