Government sets up commission to probe attack on politicians

MONROVIA  August 1-The Liberian government on Saturday said it has set up  a commission to probe an  attack on two opposition leaders in Grand Gedeh county, a statement from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said.

“Having conducted preliminary investigation into circumstances that led to an attack on opposition leader Alexander Cummings and his entourage in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has commissioned a full scale probe into the incident, while condemning the appalling violence,” it said.

It  further said:  “In this regard, the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh has been summoned to Monrovia to assist in the probe. The Ministry has directed the Joint Security Forces to ensure that all those involved in Thursday’s incident are held to account for their actions.

The inquiry will determine the apparent lapse in security protocol and other reasons which contributed to the fracas.”

This followed an attack on Mr. Alexander Cummings, Chairman of the Collaborating Political parties(CPP) and political leader of the  Alternative National Congress-ANC and Representative Yekeh Kolubah of District  number ten of  Montserrado county. The two men were attacked in Zwedrew, the capital city of Grand Gedeh county by people believed to be supporters of the ruling party-Congress for Democratic Change-CDC. They said that Hon. Kolubah normally uses invectives on president Weah and totally unacceptable.  The county is seen as a strong political base for the  CDC due the support given by former president,   the late Samuel K. Doe, to then  international soccer star, George Weah.

The attack has been condemned by several groups and individuals. 

“The Ministry however notes the fact that the Cummings delegation safely visited several other counties without incident, a clear indication that the Government is committed to protecting all its citizens, regardless of their political persuasion.

“The rights to free movement and political assembly are fundamentally guaranteed by the Liberian constitution. The government will continue to ensure that these rights are protected at all times.

As the country moves closer to elections in December, the Justice Ministry assures the public that it is employing additional measures which will ensure security for all those engaging in political campaign activities.” TNR