Liberian Law School Student Keah Cooper

A law student at the Liberia School of Law, Keah Cooper, has commended the Government of Liberia for its fight against not only corruption, but also against the abuse of drugs in the country and warned citizens to desist from all forms of political solidarities in favor of crime suspects no matter their status in society.

Cooper said political solidarities for suspects of criminal offenses pose a serious threat to the country’s justice system and are virtually undermining the credibility of the judicial system, or may prejudice judicial outcomes, if measures are not taken.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Cooper pointed out that all crimes, especially drug abuse, are serious national security threats, and if Liberians do not pay keen attention and work together, they could damage the future of the nation.

Cooper argued that the drugs law, which was signed into law in 2022, a first-degree felonious offense, is aimed to regulate, restrict, control, limit, or eradicate the illegal export and importation as well as the flagrant use, abuse, and proliferation of narcotic substances within the bailiwick of the Republic of Liberia and is not in any way designed to target any group of specific lawful persons.

“The drugs law should not be misconstrued and politicized as a witch-hunt or selective justice,” he stated.

However, the Liberian Law School student called on the government to remain within the confines of the rule of law in the fight against the deadly practices.

He added that the constitutional rights of all defendants are not negotiable and must be fully protected without any justification.

“As much as we all appreciate the government’s political will to fight drugs, or crimes in general, we are also keen to remind them to remain lawful, especially law enforcement officers, so that they themselves will not be the violators of law they are protecting or will not abuse others’ constitutional rights,” he said.

Cooper warned that “suspects are not convicts, and therefore should be treated as innocent until proven guilty, especially as regards their rights to due process, right to life, right to fair trial, right to a speedy and public trial, which are fundamental rights that must be protected at all times regardless of the persons before the law.”

In an African legal system, “Taytay-mo-taytay” (the law is the law), Cooper intimated that all persons are equal before the law and must be treated equally, regardless of their status and capacity in society.

He encouraged Liberians to continue their advocacy for fair justice and respect for the rules of law.

“Liberia deserves to be a crime-free society, and Liberians deserve to live a better life,” Cooper said.

“Drugs affect all citizens regardless of which party, religion, or community you are part of. Therefore, we call all well-meaning Liberians to support the Government of Liberia’s efforts in the fight against drugs, and desist from challenging law enforcement officers,” he added.

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