GOL CONDEMNS 26’ STREET VIOLENCE

MONROVIA-The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, categorically condemns the street violence that happened in Monrovia on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, involving two rival groups purporting to be some students of the University of Liberia campus-based Students Unification Party (SUP) and the CDC-COP.

The Ministry has accordingly directed the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate and full-scale investigation into the incident.

Images of the violence being posted on social media show unwarranted use of force and maltreatment of some participating youths which has no place in our newfound democracy.

The Attorney General, Cllr. Frank Musah Dean, Jr., has accordingly called on the police to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book in keeping with the laws of Liberia.

The Government wants to make it clear that while it encourages all citizens to express their views on national issues their methods must be in conformity with law.

Articles 13 and 15 of the Liberian Constitution guarantee such rights. The named constitutional provisions however clearly express the safeguarding of public order, public safety as well as rights and freedom of others.

The Ministry of Justice also wants to make it clear that it did not receive a request from any group to march in the streets of Monrovia on Tuesday, July 26, whether in protest for or against the Liberian Government.

A formal request for any such action is a cardinal requirement by law, which can be conveyed through a written petition to the Ministry of Justice for a permit.

The Liberia National Police Act of 2015 Section III Article 22.86 which also deals with Public Order mandates any persons wanting to hold such a march or protest to contact the Minister of Justice in keeping with the law.

Had such a request come to the Ministry of Justice, the government would have acted to ensure public safety and order by scheduling the rival groups at different times.

The Government is encouraging all individuals who witnessed the Tuesday, July 26 violence to assist the Police with its investigation. They can be assured that their identities will be protected and information held confidentially.

The release was signed by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Ledgerhood J. Rennie

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