Monrovia — Former President George Manneh Weah’s Aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro, along with several other figures arrested for protesting on Tuesday, December 17, have spent their second night in detention, as their legal team struggles to secure their release on bond.
The group is facing multiple charges, including Obstructing Highways and Other Passages, Physical Obstruction of Government Function, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Mischief, Theft of Property, and Disorderly Conduct.
The “White Tuesday” protest, which unfolded on the grounds of the Capitol Building in Monrovia, quickly escalated from a peaceful demonstration to a violent clash between protesters and law enforcers.
The protest, organized by various civil society groups, was designed to highlight grievances over the Joseph Nyuma Boakai government’s failure to address issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and unmet promises.
On the morning of December 17, protesters gathered in front of the Capitol Building, donning symbolic white attire to call attention to what they termed as “government failures”.
The protest took a dramatic turn when tensions escalated after police received a marching order from their Inspector General, Gregory Coleman, to fire tear gas at peaceful protesters.
Law enforcement officers did not only respond with tear gas but also forceful tactics, leading to the arrest of several protesters, including Kalasco, a prominent member of the main opposition Congress of Democratic Change (CDC).
Kalasco’s arrest during the incident was seen by many as emblematic of the growing political divisions within Liberia.
Kalasco, a well-known figure with close ties to Former President Weah, was seen as one of the leading organizers of the protest.
His arrest has sparked intense political debate, with opposition groups accusing the government of using force to stifle dissent.
The timing of Kalasco’s arrest, coupled with his high-profile connections, has only intensified suspicions that the protest was more than just a cry for justice, but a deeper reflection of internal political tensions within the ruling party.
While the government has framed the protest as a disruptive act of lawlessness, opposition leaders have pointed to the growing number of such protests as an indication of widespread dissatisfaction with the Boakai administration.
As of today, Kalasco and his co-defendants have spent a second consecutive night in jail, with their legal team struggling to secure their release on bond.
The delay has raised concerns over the independence of Liberia’s judicial system and the government’s ability to handle politically sensitive cases with transparency.
Kalasco’s lawyers have expressed hope that bail will be granted today, citing the lack of substantial evidence against the accused.
