The Chairman of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah Morlu, has issued a stern warning to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police Gregory Coleman, ahead of the planned July 17 protest, cautioning that any violent crackdown on peaceful protesters will have serious consequences.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday in Monrovia Morlu emphasized that the “July 17 that the demonstration under the theme: Enough is Enough Protest” is intended to be peaceful, lawful, and well-organized.
However, he warned that any attempt by security forces to use violence against demonstrators would be met with repercussions for the police leadership.
“Our people will act within the confines of the law,” Morlu said.
“But Police Director Gregory Coleman must tread carefully in handling our citizens. Should he permit the spilling of innocent blood, he will bear, feel, and witness the consequences.”
Morlu sharply criticized the Unity Party-led administration, accusing it of poor governance, corruption, and the marginalization of ordinary Liberians.
“We are tired of the reckless and cowardly style of governance. We are tired of the suffering endured by market women, of the high unemployment among our youth.
“We reject the criminal extortion of over $14 million from motorbike riders—only to have them later banned from main streets. We denounce the unjust dismissal of public servants, including tenure-protected officials, and the pervasive corruption in government. Enough is enough,” he stated passionately.
The protest, according to Morlu, will also highlight grievances surrounding the alleged killings of three protesters by police officers during past demonstrations. “Our brothers were killed on the orders of Nelson Freeman and Gregory Coleman, while President Boakai remains silent and unresponsive,” he alleged.
STAND announced that the demonstration will see participation from citizens across communities, districts, and counties, with protesters expected to converge peacefully in Monrovia on July 17.
Authorities, including the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police, have reportedly granted clearance for the protest, allowing marchers to use Tubman Boulevard and Japanese Drive via the Gabriel Tucker Bridge. The LNP has also agreed to remove all checkpoints along the designated protest routes.
Organizers have announced several gathering points for protesters, including the main entrance of the Freeport of Monrovia, Central Monrovia, 72nd Junction, ELWA Junction, Duport Road, and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters, among others.
The July 17 protest is shaping up to be a major test for both civil liberties and the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms.
