-Calls for proper investigation, but Police repeatedly deny opening fire
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has said it is totally shocked and taken aback by the comments coming from the national Police concerning the violence that took place on 27th June 2018 in the Monrovia suburb of Kebbah, Bardnersville.
A woman reportedly sustained bullet wound in the neck,
The Police continue to deny firing live bullet during the riot, which was sparked by the occurrence of a motor accident involving a motorcycle and a truck belonging to the Chinese construction company, CHICO.
Speaking Wednesday at the news conference in Monrovia on Wednesday, the Acting Chairperson of the INCHR, Rev. Atty. Bartholomew B. Colley said findings from the commission run contrary to statements emanating from the Deputy Inspector General for Police Robert Budy, Police Spokesperson Moses Carter and other members of the Liberia National Police that no live bullet was fired.
‘’The INCHR sees said action by the Police as shameful, abdication of her statutory responsibilities, and an attempt to cover up shady deeds of unscrupulous elements within the Police that threaten the enjoyment of the rights of all within the borders of Liberia,” Rev. Colley noted.
The two occupants of the motorcycle were severely injured, something that prompted mob violence.
The mob consisting mainly of motorcyclists set up road blocks and were determined to burn the truck involved in the accident.
The Liberia National Police apparently in exercising its constitutional role and duty to protect lives and properties came in to restore calm. The presence of the Police did not however, deter the protesters from their actions as they allegedly threw petrol bombs, stones and other objects.
In response, the Police allegedly fired live bullets that led to the injury of a Madam Helena Nimely.
Madam Nimely, we are also informed, is currently admitted at the THT clinic on the Barnersville road undergoing medical treatment but that she is recuperating quite well.
According to the acting Human Rights boss, the INCHR is aware of the progress, with the help of our international partners, which the Liberia National Police has made in recent times.
The Liberia National Police has over the years come under the spotlight for some unethical behaviors, while carrying out their duties.
Notable among such actions are the handling of the strike situation involving workers and residents of the Golden Veroleum, in Sinoe County in 2015 where a number of citizens were flogged and imprisoned; the Victoria Zayzay incident, where the police claimed she committed suicide.
But the entire incident was shrouded in mystery and doubt; the 2016 Alfred Tarnueincident in Paynesville where a police officer hit a the motorcyclist at the back of his neck, killing him instantly; the shooting of a motorcyclist in Parker Paint earlier this year by Officer Roland Demman who then shot himself in the palm for cover up; and the flogging of United Methodist University students during a protest on their campus among several questionable actions of the Police.
Given these records, according to Liberia’s independent rights commission, ’’ that becloud the Police professionalism, it is only but wise that the Police hierarchy will do what is best and appropriate and refrain from shielding anyone who intends to undermine the integrityand professionalism of the Police, the security of the state and above all, the human rights of the citizens and residents of Liberia.’’
The commission is however calling for a full scale investigation to find the culprit of the alleged shooting and prosecute rather than the face saving denial.
‘’The Commission’s decision to commission this investigation stands from the backdrop consistent with its legislative mandate couple with the Police denial of the incident, the Commission will leave no stone unturned in exposing every anti human rights elements in the police and the country at large.’’ he explained.
According to the Human Rights Commission, the action of the police which violates the right to security and safety of Madam Nimely and other Liberians must be stopped now before it is too late.
The INCHR is at the same calling on all judicial actors concern to ensure the speedy trial of the alleged murder of KruboKukolo who was beheaded after her husband Mulbah Flomo was shotin Zorzor District, Lofa County on June 14, 2018.
Such death of an individual is a flagrant denial of said person right to life, thus all well-meaning Liberians must condemn the act and assist the prosecution in whichever way possible to ensure justice is served, the Commission said.
‘’In the same vein, the Liberia National Police is encouraged to conduct a speedy investigation into allegation of children trafficking and abuse by a local church in Paynesville. The children are the future thus every efforts should be made to protect them from any danger,’’ the head of the rights commission further said.
In another development, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has welcomed the move by the House of Representatives to pass on the Bill to decriminalize free speech submitted to it by the President of Liberia.
The bill which was submitted 31st May 2018 is seeking to amend Chapter 11 of the Penal Law of 1978 repealing sections 11.11 on criminal libel against the President, 11.12 on sedition and 11.14 on criminal malevolence.
He call on the Senate to concur with the House of Representatives on the passage of this bill as it serves as a milestone in the protection of freedom of speech.
‘’The government should be aware that the migrant crisis ongoing in the north of the continent is as a result of instability and the harsh economic realities on the continent and that Liberians were among other Africans brutalized and enslaved in Libya. Therefore, the government must act now to avoid Liberians from further becoming victims of the economic migration melee,’’ the rights commission concluded in its statement on Wednesday. By Alfred Kollie alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com