The grassroots civil rights advocacy movement Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) has announced plans for mass protests following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a ban on motorcycle transportation in specific areas of Monrovia.
This decision, made by Associate Justice Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson, has sparked outrage among riders and supporters who view it as a blatant violation of constitutional rights.
During a news conference held in Monrovia, STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu expressed deep disappointment with the ruling, which he claims has unjustly restricted the movement of thousands of Liberians who depend on motorcycles and kehkehs (motorized tricycles) for their daily transportation needs.
Morlu condemned the court’s refusal to grant a writ to challenge the ban, describing it as an example of systemic bias within the judiciary.
“This ruling represents a wanton violation of riders’ constitutional rights,” Morlu said. “Justice Clinton-Johnson has betrayed the trust not only of bike and Keke riders but also of millions of ordinary Liberians who rely on these transportation methods to get to school, work, and access basic services.”
Morlu criticized the Supreme Court for allegedly prioritizing political interests over justice, asserting that the ruling further entrenches a pattern of judicial corruption and bias. He noted that while the court swiftly freed Madam Gloria Scott, a convicted murderer, it simultaneously disregarded the rights of tax-paying citizens.
STAND’s leadership accused the Supreme Court of being influenced by political pressures from President Joseph Boakai, alleging that the decision has effectively “weaponized” the Liberia National Police in their campaign against ordinary citizens.
With the promise of mass mobilization on the horizon, STAND is preparing to unite various sectors of society, including health workers, marketers, and everyday Liberians, to demand justice and accountability.
STAND plans to hold a press conference to announce the details of the protests, which they hope will challenge what they describe as the “corrupt and decadent foundations” of governance in Liberia.
The announcement has garnered significant attention among those advocating for reform in the country, with many supporters drawing parallels between the issues surrounding motorcycle transportation and broader concerns regarding civil liberties in Liberia.
