By By: Staff Writer
Congo Town, Monrovia — The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia’s leading civil rights and accountability movements, on Sunday announced the commencement of sustained civil disobedience, citing what it described as persistent human rights violations, police brutality, selective justice, and a growing climate of fear under the administration of President Joseph N. Boakai.
Speaking at a press conference in Congo Town, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu accused the government of eroding the rule of law, suppressing civic freedoms, and normalizing impunity, while ordinary Liberians struggle with worsening economic conditions.
“Liberia is facing a non-conventional war waged by the state against its own people—an economic war, a security war, and a justice crisis,” Morlu said. “This reality is incompatible with democratic governance and human dignity.” STAND raised sharp concerns over what it termed the discriminatory application of justice by the Liberian National Police (LNP), particularly in cases involving sexual violence. Morlu referenced the handling of an alleged rape case involving J. Bryant McGill, arguing that police authorities exceeded their mandate by making pronouncements that appeared to exonerate the suspect.
“No police authority has the constitutional power to declare an accused person innocent or guilty,” Morlu said. “Only a court of competent jurisdiction can do so.”
While reiterating support for the arrest and prosecution of anyone credibly accused of sexual violence, STAND condemned what it described as unequal evidentiary standards that favor politically connected individuals, warning that such practices violate the Liberian Constitution and several international human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and CEDAW.
Morlu stressed that administrative declarations cannot erase the trauma suffered by rape survivors, especially minors. “A 14-year-old child has to live with the scars of rape for the rest of her life,” he said.
The movement also denounced the violent suppression of peaceful protests, particularly demonstrations held on July 17 and December 17, 2024. According to STAND, police used tear gas, arbitrary arrests, excessive force, and what it called fabricated charges against protesters exercising constitutionally protected rights.
“These actions violate Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution and international standards governing the use of force by law enforcement,” Morlu said.
He further alleged that police selectively enforced public order laws while allowing regime-aligned counter-protesters to engage in violence, describing the practice as “political policing.”
STAND accused the leadership of the LNP of moral and institutional failure, calling for accountability and structural reforms within the security sector. Morlu specifically criticized Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accusing him of justifying police violence and undermining public trust in law enforcement.
“The continued retention of police leadership under these circumstances renders the institution unfit to serve a democratic society,” Morlu asserted.
Beyond domestic concerns, STAND expressed unease over Liberia’s foreign policy direction, particularly its diplomatic alignment with what it described as authoritarian regimes. The group said such alignments contradict Liberia’s historic commitment to democratic values and its long-standing relationships with democratic partners.
Morlu called on the international community, including donor partners and diplomatic missions, to increase monitoring of Liberia’s shrinking civic space and to consider targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for gross human rights violations.
“Sanctions must be precise and individually based to avoid collective punishment of the Liberian people,” he said.
In response to questions from journalists, Morlu clarified that STAND’s announcement goes beyond conventional street protests. He said the movement is embarking on a broad, sustained campaign of non-violent civil disobedience aimed at pressuring the government to address grievances raised during recent protests.
“Civil disobedience is more than mass protest,” he said. “It will take many forms, all peaceful and lawful, until the government responds meaningfully to the will of the people.”
Concluding the press conference, STAND called on Liberians to remain peaceful but resolute in demanding accountability and respect for human rights.
“The struggle continues,” Morlu declared. “Justice is non-negotiable. Resistance remains a moral duty.”
