On Monday, November 18, 2024, police officers and student demonstrators, mainly from the Student Unification Party (SUP), engaged in a concerning altercation at the University of Liberia (UL). When the police stepped in, the protest, which was planned to promote the reopening of the institution, the hiring of a new president and improved educational support, descended into violence.
When he police began to use disproportionate force to disperse the crowd, witnesses said the students were calmly expressing their concerns. According to an eyewitness, officers used teargas and batons, injuring multiple students.
Moments of turmoil were filmed on social media, with students running away in terror, some being restrained and suffering severe injuries, while others were manhandled by police on their pickup.
The student community has called for accountability and an immediate investigation into the brutality committed by the police.
In addition to demanding justice for those hurt during the protest, student leaders have pledged to keep fighting for their rights. Protests are anticipated to continue as events unfold, highlighting the demands of the students and the need for changes in the way the government responds to nonviolent protests.
It can be recalled that November 11, 2024, the Student Unification Party (SUP) warned the UL administration against any attempt to postpone the November 18 resumption of classes, and called on all the students to assemble on November 18, 2024 to ensure that school opens. However, the UL administration has failed to resume classes as initially planned, thus instigating the students’ protest.
