The chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah Morlu, says efforts by his legal team to secure the release of 11 protesters arrested on Thursday have so far failed, despite hours of engagement with the Liberia National Police (LNP). The detainees — five men and six women — remain behind bars as of Friday evening.
Police allege that the protesters engaged in violent acts, including damaging vehicles and private property during their march. Morlu sharply rejected the accusations, describing them as “false, politically motivated claims” intended to criminalize a peaceful demonstration.
Morlu, who was invited to the LNP headquarters for questioning, said the meeting was calm and largely procedural. According to him, officers asked what he termed “general questions,” and no formal charges were presented against him. He emphasized that neither he nor the detained protesters committed any acts that justify continued detention.
“In response to the LNP’s invitation, I reported to Police Headquarters today to clear my name and demonstrate my innocence. I have since returned home safely and appreciate the support extended to me.
In the meantime, a legal team has been retained and is actively pursuing the release of our members who were wrongfully arrested and detained. I sincerely commend our people who stood in solidarity, displaying resilience, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the pursuit of comprehensive change.
“I remain fully engaged with our lawyers to ensure the immediate release of all 11 citizens before the weekend,” Morlu told reporters after leaving the police station. “These individuals exercised their constitutional rights. Their imprisonment is unjustifiable.”
The protest, organized by STAND, was intended to culminate in the delivery of a petition to the President at the Executive Mansion. However, tensions escalated when police officers formed barricades along the route, blocking the group from accessing the grounds. Protesters insisted they had notified authorities of their intention to present the petition peacefully.
Witnesses say the standoff intensified when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, triggering chaos and leading to multiple arrests. Videos circulating on social media show protesters running for safety as canisters exploded around them.
Human rights advocates have begun raising concerns about the arrests, calling for transparency and due process. Several civil society groups say the police response was excessive and inconsistent with democratic norms.
The LNP has not issued a detailed statement explaining the basis for the arrests or the conditions under which the detainees may be released. Family members of those detained say they have been denied access and are demanding clarity from authorities.
As the standoff continues, STAND maintains that it will pursue all legal avenues to secure the protesters’ release and insists that Thursday’s events reflect a troubling pattern of police intolerance toward civic action.
