By: Uriahs Faith Nyepan
[MONROVIA, LIBERIA] The University of Liberia Students Unification Party (SUP) has issued a statement calling for the immediate dismissal of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman.
SUP’s demand is in response to alarming allegations regarding the brutal maltreatment of “Peaceful” Students during a recent protest at the University of Liberia.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, a petition was presented at the headquarters of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights by the Students Unification Party, describing what they termed a “barbaric, terroristic” attack on students exercising their constitutional right to assemble peacefully.
The incident, which occurred on November 18, 2024, involved police officers allegedly using excessive force against peaceful students, resulting in numerous injuries. The SUP characterized the Liberia National Police (LNP) under Inspector General Gregory Coleman as a “killing machine,” citing previous incidents of violence against civilians and students.
Speaking to reporters, they highlighted grievances against Inspector General Coleman and Officer Malachi Kolubah, accusing them of fostering an environment of brutality. They claimed that Officer Malachi Kolubah has directly overseen instances of torture within police custody, including reports of physical abuse against arrested student leaders.
“Our actions are not merely reactions to isolated incidents; they reflect broader concerns about governance under the Boakai-Koung administration,” they stated, expressing a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to safeguard lives and property.
Furthermore, they invoked constitutional rights enshrined in Liberia’s 1986 Constitution and international human rights laws, emphasizing that peaceful assembly is a fundamental right that must be protected. They are demanding accountability for those involved in the recent violence and are petitioning the National Human Rights Commission to conduct an impartial investigation into the actions of police officers during the protest.
Neither the pair nor the Police have responded to the allegations.