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Saturday, February 15, 2025

Another Aide of Liberia’s Exiled House Speaker Reveals Harrowing Ordeal in Detention Amid Political Persecution

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In a shocking account of torture and political persecution Andrew Sleh Lawson, a staff member of deposed House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa has come forward with disturbing details about his experience in the custody of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

His statements highlight the unsettling atmosphere of fear and violence engulfing Liberia’s political landscape.

Lawson, who was arrested on January 4, 2025, along with two colleagues, explains that they were apprehended at Speaker Koffa’s residence and subsequently taken to LNP headquarters.

“They forced us to make statements without our lawyers present,” Lawson recounted. The ordeal only escalated when, late into the night, they were transferred to the NSA headquarters in White Plains, outside Monrovia.

Recalling the chilling moments that followed, Lawson stated, “At midnight, I was taken from my detention room and stripped naked, handcuffed, and blindfolded. They beat me severely with wooden stakes. They told me that if I didn’t confess my involvement in the Capitol Building fire, they would unleash a snake on me.”

The Capitol Building fire, which remains a contentious issue, has led to an arrest order from the Inspector General of the LNP, accusing several individuals associated with Koffa of arson.

Despite nearly a month of legal proceedings, prosecutors have failed to substantiate any charges against the accused.

During the interrogation, Lawson said he was bombarded with questions about his alleged participation in protests and discussions to incite violence. “They wanted names, they wanted confessions,” he said.

“I told them I was not part of any protest or planning to burn the Capitol. I merely went to make my weekly report,” said Lawson, visibly shaken but resolute.

He detailed the relentless psychological and physical torture inflicted upon him. “Every morning before dawn, I endured beatings. They wanted me to lie, to betray my boss, but I resisted. They threatened me, saying if I didn’t cooperate, they would send 15 men to harm me. I stood firm. I could not betray my principles or my boss,” Lawson asserted defiantly.

The political context surrounding Lawson’s ordeal paints a grim picture. Speaker Koffa, an opposition leader who assumed his role in January 2024, has become a target of systematic persecution by the ruling Unity Party. Following a controversial arrangement of power, Koffa was deposed and forced into exile, with his allies now facing threats and violence from security forces.

Lawson’s account underscores the added complexities of the political landscape in Liberia. “These are not just accusations against me or my colleagues; this is about silencing dissent, attacking our leaders, and threatening anyone who stands in the way of this regime,” he lamented.

As public scrutiny of the situation intensifies, Lawson’s testimony serves to highlight the ongoing human rights violations and political repression occurring in Liberia.

His courage in speaking out may hold the key to mobilizing support for the victims of state-sponsored violence as the country grapples with its turbulent political climate. Liberian authorities have denied all accusations of torture and other rights violations.

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