The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL), a human rights advocacy group, has publicly denounced the politicization of security and investment-related issues in Liberia. They specifically addressed allegations against Indian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as “Jeety,” who has been accused of orchestrating the prolonged detention of individuals arrested following a violent protest at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Weala, Margibi County. The CSNL dismissed these allegations as baseless propaganda aimed at damaging Sachdeva’s reputation and sowing discord between him and SRC employees. The organization emphasized that the Liberian government, not Sachdeva, initiated legal action against the alleged protest leaders, including former union president Mary P. Boimah and secretary general Lawrence Gorgbor. Critically, the protest occurred four months before Sachdeva assumed ownership of SRC.
The CSNL clarified that the government’s case against Boimah and others stems from their alleged involvement in the violent protest, which directly impacted SRC, hence its inclusion in the legal proceedings. While acknowledging that the court has yet to release Boimah and other detainees due to ongoing investigations and the pursuit of additional individuals named in arrest warrants, the CSNL stressed its condemnation of unlawful imprisonment as a violation of due process. However, the group also highlighted Boimah’s history of alleged involvement in violent incidents, including a previous protest that resulted in the burning of a police station and court in Margibi County.
The CSNL issued a strong appeal to Liberians to refrain from politicizing matters that jeopardize national security and investment. They cautioned that the tendency to shift blame and smear the reputations of investors could deter potential investment, urging all citizens to prioritize the common good of the country. The organization reiterated its belief that the allegations against Sachdeva are a fabricated narrative stemming from ignorance, intended to tarnish his image and create division within the corporation. They also dismissed claims that Sachdeva is influencing the court proceedings against the former SRC employees as false and misleading.
The CSNL’s investigation revealed that the accusations against Sachdeva likely originated from SRC’s decision not to rehire Boimah and other individuals involved in the violent protest. The organization explained that upon Sachdeva’s acquisition of SRC, all existing employees were paid off, and a new recruitment process based on merit was implemented. This process granted the new management the discretion to rehire or decline to rehire former employees based on company policy.
Given the indictments against Boimah and others, the CSNL argued that SRC’s decision not to rehire them was both ethically and professionally sound. The organization concluded that holding Sachdeva responsible for the court’s actions against the former employees, including Boimah, is illogical and unfounded. They emphasized that the connection between Sachdeva and the legal proceedings is a product of misinformation and a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and create friction within the company.
The CSNL’s statement serves as a crucial reminder that the pursuit of justice should not be manipulated for political gain or personal vendettas. By clarifying the timeline of events and debunking the allegations against Sachdeva, the organization aims to promote a more informed and nuanced understanding of the situation. Their call for responsible discourse and a focus on the nation’s collective welfare underscores the importance of separating fact from fiction in public discourse, particularly when it concerns matters of security and economic development. The organization’s investigation and subsequent public statement demonstrate their commitment to upholding human rights while also advocating for responsible investment practices and a stable business environment in Liberia.
The CSNL’s emphasis on due process and their condemnation of unlawful imprisonment highlights their commitment to human rights principles. Simultaneously, their acknowledgment of Boimah’s alleged involvement in previous violent incidents provides context and encourages a balanced perspective. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of the situation, the CSNL aims to foster informed public opinion and discourage the spread of misinformation. Their intervention underscores the vital role civil society organizations play in holding both government and private actors accountable, promoting transparency, and advocating for policies that serve the best interests of the nation. Their call for unity and a focus on the common good serves as a timely reminder that political maneuvering should not overshadow the pursuit of justice and the imperative of creating a stable and prosperous future for Liberia.
