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–Demand Immediate Release of Detainees
The Concerned Citizens for the Protection of the Constitution, Democracy, and the Rule of Law has issued a scathing indictment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and National Security Agency (NSA) for alleged human rights violations under the administration of President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung.
The group has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Thomas Etheridge, Andrew Lawson, and other detainees, citing unlawful arrests, inhumane treatment, and the erosion of democratic principles.
The allegations stem from the December 18, 2024, arrest of Thomas Etheridge during the “Bloody Tuesday” protests in front of the Capitol Building. The group claims that Etheridge was subjected to waterboarding, beatings, and death threats by state security forces in an attempt to coerce a false confession.
These actions, according to the statement released on Tuesday, January 14, represent a descent into authoritarianism and a betrayal of Liberia’s democratic values.
“This young man, a victim of the infamous ‘Bloody Tuesday,’ suffered unspeakable abuse at the behest of an administration determined to suppress dissent and silence critical voices,” the statement read. The group described the alleged actions of the LNP and NSA as a “national disgrace,” accusing the administration of weaponizing state security to intimidate citizens and erode public trust.
In addition to Etheridge, the group called for the release of Andrew Lawson and others detained without charge, highlighting their ongoing suffering and the urgent need for justice.
The group also denounced what it termed “baseless allegations” against its chairman, Janjay Baikpeh, asserting that these claims were fabricated by state security agents to discredit him. They emphasized Chairman Baikpeh’s commitment to justice and democracy, vowing to resist efforts to tarnish his reputation.
Concerned Citizens urged opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and all defenders of democracy to unite against what they described as “looming tyranny.”
“Today, it is Thomas Etheridge and others; tomorrow, it could be any of us,” the statement warned. “Let us rise to the occasion to defend the heart and soul of the motherland.”
The group also appealed to international partners, calling for decisive intervention to address the alleged abuses. They emphasized the need for accountability and protection of Liberia’s fragile democracy.
“We demand the immediate release of Thomas Etheridge, along with urgent medical attention to address the physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon him,” they said, urging international stakeholders to pressure the administration to uphold human rights.
The Concerned Citizens concluded their statement with a firm resolve to stand against the administration’s alleged human rights abuses, calling for transparency, justice, and the restoration of public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.
