The Liberia National Police (LNP) has disclosed that fourteen persons were arrested during the violent protest that occurred at the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) on Thursday, August 22, 2024, noting that the individuals have been charged and sent to court for legal proceedings.
According to a LNP release, the suspects are Aaron Soe, Emmanuel D. Sumo, Korpo L. Boakai, Gifty Johnson, Elijah D. Gweh, Christian K. Perry, Itea F. Borbor, Varney D. Wilson, Lawrance G. Bessiah, Samuel Joe, Joseph Z. Benson, Prince Zammie, Derrick Sekeh, Odonnell A. Corbin, and Alieu S. Brima. They were charged with multiple crimes, including criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, physical obstruction of government’s function, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief, riot, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, and obstructing highway and other public passages.
The LNP said it remains committed to maintaining peace and order in the communities. “We urge all citizens to refrain from engaging in violent activities and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities,” the LNP release observed.
In a related development, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has termed as untrue and misleading information circulating on social media platforms that the man who was seen unconscious and being helped by LNP officers during the violent protest in Congo Town has died.
The LNP noted that, contrary to these speculations and claims of his death, Prince Zammie, 43, a resident of the Fiamah community, is currently undergoing medical treatment at the JFK Referral Hospital. He was rescued and rushed to the hospital by LNP officers from the protest ground.
“The LNP strongly condemns the dissemination of false information and urges the public to verify the sources of their information before spreading such falsehoods about the police. The publication of deceitful information is harmful and misleading.
“Meanwhile, the LNP calls on everyone to remain calm. We are committed to keeping the public informed about the health status of Prince Zammie and other Joint Security officers who also sustained injuries during Thursday’s protest,” the release stated.