The Government of Liberia vehemently refutes allegations of torture and rights violations.
By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, Liberia, January 16, 2025 –The Government of Liberia has vehemently denied allegations of torture and human rights violations against Thomas Etheridge, a suspect in the Capitol Building arson incident.
Allegations surfaced on Monday, January 13, 2024, when Etheridge, a staffer of embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa accused the Liberia National Police of subjecting him to severe abuse.
Etheridge claimed that during a court filing for a writ of habeas corpus, he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including threats of sodomy, to coerce him into signing a false confession implicating himself in the fire that damaged the Capitol Building.
He alleged that he was taken to an undisclosed location where he endured hours of physical assault before being presented with a prepared statement, which he refused to sign.
However, speaking to reporters on the matter, Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piah strongly refuted the accusations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding human rights.
“The government hereby states that we will not engage in or condone torture or other cruel, inhumane treatment of individuals detained by our security forces,” Piah said. He denied any misconduct by the Liberia National Police and affirmed that no security personnel engaged in torture or degrading treatment of detainees.
Piah also announced the government’s willingness to cooperate with an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations, saying, “We welcome an inquiry by national organizations, journalists, or private partners.”
He assured that such investigators will have unfettered access to state facilities and personnel.
The fire at the Capitol Building, which occurred earlier this month, has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.
Despite the questioning of some representatives by the Liberia National Police (LNP), Etheridge’s allegations have further heightened the tensions, with many demanding greater transparency in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information has emphasized that government’s doors are open to any civil society group or journalists desirous of conducting an independent investigation into the matter to determine the legality of Etheridge’s detention and shed light on the allegations of torture. Editing by Jonathan Browne
