Monrovia, Liberia – Former presidential aide Sekou Kalasco and several protesters have been released from prison, sparking celebrations among their supporters. Their release comes after days of detention following the controversial White Tuesday Protest at the Capitol Building.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Kalasco and the protesters were arrested after what Police Inspector Gregory Coleman described as a breach of security lines during the protest. However, Kalasco disputed this claim, stating he was forcibly taken from his vehicle without cause.
“I was not in violation of any order. I was sitting in my car when police officers bundled me up and took me to police headquarters. From there, I was arraigned in court without any charges and later sent to the Monrovia Central Prison,” Kalasco told reporters after his release.
Allegations of Police Brutality
Kalasco accused an unarmed police officer of assault and issuing threats during his arrest.
“He hit me while I was drinking and threatened to kill me,” Kalasco alleged. “I know him, and when I see him, I will identify him. Thank God I reported it to his superior.”
He also revealed that several human rights advocates and civil society representatives visited him in prison to document his ordeal, shedding light on the conditions and treatment of detainees.
The exact terms of the release remain unclear as FrontPage Africa has not obtained full details of the arrangement that led to their release. However, it was announced on Wednesday that Kalasco and the protesters would be freed on bond. FPA gathered that their release was negotiated by Cllr. Kanio Bar Gballah and former Maritime Commissioner Lenn Eugene Nagbe.
The White Tuesday Protest began peacefully but turned violent when police deployed tear gas and were accused of using live ammunition to disperse the crowd—a claim the police have since denied.
The chaos led to the arrest of several protesters, while lawmakers participating in the demonstration were forced to flee. Representative Frank Saah Foko sought refuge at the Temple of Justice during the unrest.
The incident has drawn attention to issues of security, civil rights, and the treatment of protesters in Liberia, sparking widespread concern and debate.
FrontPage Africa will continue to follow this breaking story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
