-As Costa’s COP demands Police IG Patrick Sudue’s dismissal
The pro government Independent Council of Patriot, which challenges Henry Costa Council of Patriots protest against the CDC government, has said it is taking the government to the Supreme Court for violating their right to peaceful assembly recently.
ICOP says Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution has been violated by the Justice Ministry’s refusal to grant them permission to peacefully assemble last Saturday in Monrovia.
ICOP head, Ambassador Rufus Neufville was at the Temple of Justice last week and said they wrote the Ministry of Justice to have a peaceful assembly on Saturday January 11, 2020, but they were by MOJ to reschedule the date.
That angered, prompting the group to run to the Supreme Court to interpret Article 17, which they claim have been violated by the Minister of Justice, something they termed as “inappropriate, unfair, unjust and a gross violation of human right and also free speech.”
Amb. Neufville said the Justice Ministry has tempered with their rights and does has the right to stop any group of citizens under the constitution.
ICOP says it was established to fight for the liberation of masses and struggle for economic freedom.
The head of ICOP added that they took two cardinal points. The group named: “legal protections under the law adding that when COP was allowed to protest why they cannot peacefully assemble too? Whether or not MOJ has the authority to prevent a group of citizens from exercising their right.”
The ICOP leader maintained that they will not go in the street to fight any police officer “like COP but will use the law”.
Meanwhile, Costa’s COP last week demanded that President George Weah remove Police Inspector General from office.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday, the chairman Mr. Henry P. Costa said excessive force used by the during the January 6,2020 peaceful gathering was unnecessary and unprovoked therefore, IG Sudue should be released of his for attacking unarmed citizens.
The COP chairman said peaceful citizens gathered in their thousands as were expected but due to the violent disruption the police led several wounded and lost materials and businesses.
The vocal radio talk show host Henry Costa told reporters at his Roots FM office that the report given by the Independent National Human Rights commission said ex-rebel generals were allowed free entry on the scene of the protest by the Liberia National Police. Report by Garmah Never Lomo