Monrovia, Liberia- The opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) of Mr. Alexander Cummings has “strongly condemned the invasion, break-in, illegal confiscation of the equipment, and arbitrary closure of Roots FM.”
In a press statement issued on Thursday, October 10, 2019, ANC emphasizes that the illegal confiscation of Roots FM equipment and its closure violate Article 20 of the Liberian Constitution which says that “no person shall be deprived of …property …except as the outcome of a hearing judgement consistent with…and in accordance with due process of law…”
ANC says, as evidenced by video footage placing a court sheriff on the scene of the incident, we wonder whether or not Roots FM was accorded due process of law in a court of competent jurisdiction, prior to government’s action.
ANC argues that, assuming without admitting, that the government’s action was sanctioned by a court of law, based on the presence of a court officer at the premises of Roots FM, the manner and form employed by the government was lawless and provocative. For example, loud sound was heard of a forceful break-in and pounding of the iron gate of Roots FM..
ANC further contends that even if the action of the government was predicated on government’s argument that Roots FM is operating without a valid license, Roots FM is entitled to dues process of law; that is, to be cited and heard by court before any punishment is meted against Roots FM, the press release signed by ANC’s Secretary General Aloysius Toe said.