PHOTO: Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Justice Minister
Monrovia- Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean has mandated the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Patrick Sudue to conduct a thorough investigation into the standoff that happened on the Capitol Hill campus of the University of Liberia on Monday, March 13.
The Justice Minister called on the police IG to file a report to his office in the “soonest” following his inquest into the violent incident, which led to injuries and the destruction of properties, said a press release signed by Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
The government release said the melee occurred amongst rival student supporters of two Liberian lawmakers.
On Monday, the state-owned University’s campus once again turned into a theater of violence, with stone throwing and rioting, leaving several persons injured and properties damaged.
It happened after Montserrado County District #8 Representative, Moses Acarous Gray carried out his vow to go on the campus and have lunch on Monday, March 13, 2023 in the aftermath of a violent attack on an official in the office of the Finance Minister, Alloysius Howe last week. Coming along with him was scores of his supporters, something that annoyed students from the Students Unification Party (SUP).
In the wake of the violence, Liberia National Police had to move in to bring the situation under control firing teargas. Another lawmaker from the opposition CPP, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah also move over to the UL campus saying he had gone to hand over the UL students campus to them.
Monterrado County Senator, Saah Joseph later condemned the actions of both Lawmakers and the UL students. In an interview with state radio, ELBC, Sen. Joseph from the ruling CDC said the violence on the UL campus was unacceptable.
Police Spokesman Moses Carter later said that six persons were arrested and taken into police custody in connection to Monday’s violence. The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) also condemned the violence calling for immediate investigation and the protection of faculty members and students.
Meanwhile, in its press release on Thursday, the Liberian” government has however, reiterated that while it is committed to protecting fundamental rights – including freedom of expression and assembly – it will not tolerate violence of any kind.”