By: Barclay Karnley Jr
MONROVIA: Capitol Hill in Monrovia, Liberia’s Capital, was effectively a scene of chaos and other acts of violence and lawlessness on Tuesday when gallant officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and hundreds of protestors clashed, leading to the injuring of several individuals and the subsequent arrest of dozens of protestors.
The citizens staged a protest demanding Lawmakers on Capitol Hill to respect the rule of Law and return to “status quo ante.”
The protestors also want the lawmakers to sit under the gavel of House Speaker, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Kofa, the legitimate S
The protest turned violent and chaotic when participants forcibly removed several checkpoints erected by officers of the Liberia National Police in an attempt to control the protesting citizens.
The LNP efforts to control the protesters proved futile when they attempted to forcibly make their way through to enter the Capitol Building.
The protestors’ actions were later resisted by officers of the Liberia National Police by firing of teargas and pepper sprayed.
The protesters, in return, began to throw stones at officers of the Liberia National Police thereby leading to a bloody clash between the both parties.
The protest which was organized by a Political Pressure group, under the banner “Concern Citizens for the protection of the Constitution and the rule of Law” was attended by many Liberians who think that the government is violating the rule of law.
The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, disclosed at a press briefing that at least seventy (70) persons were arrested and are in Police custody awaiting trial.
Col. Coleman further denied the firing of live bullets by officers of the Liberia National Police during the protest as speculated in the public on social media.
It is also reported that an elderly man was affected by tear gas during the protest up Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
The protest, organized by the “Concern Citizens” group, took place outside the Capitol Building as demonstrators called on the government to adhere to the Constitution.
As the protest intensified, police deployed tear gas to disperse the surging crowd. The elderly man was visibly distressed after inhaling the gas and had to be helped by fellow protesters.
Medical teams on-site quickly responded to assist the man, providing immediate treatment before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
Although his condition was described as unstable, his exact medical status remains unclear.
The use of tear gas by law enforcement officers has drawn criticism from protestors and onlookers, with many expressing concern over the impact on vulnerable individuals.
Despite the incident, the protest continued with demonstrators standing firm in their calls for constitutional compliance.
Tensions remain high in Monrovia
as the situation unfolds.
