Two Liberian Representatives, Luther Sandy Collins of Gbarpolu County and Jacob Cheategbea Debee of Grand Gedeh County, have lodged separate complaints with the Independent National Commission of Human Rights (INCHR) against the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP), alleging brutality and violation of their constitutional rights. The incidents occurred on December 9, 2024, amidst ongoing political tensions and a leadership struggle within the House of Representatives. Both Representatives claim they were targeted by police officers acting on orders from Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and Police Chief Gregory Coleman.
Representative Debee’s complaint details his experience on December 9th, when he arrived at his Capitol Hill office to perform his legislative duties. Upon hearing commotion from another group on the same floor, he exited his office to investigate and encountered a contingent of armed police officers. He alleges that police deployed tear gas within the Capitol Building for over two hours and subjected him to physical assault, including being forcefully pulled and struck with batons. Debee asserts that his office furniture and equipment were damaged, and his staff and visitors were effectively held hostage during the incident. He maintains that these actions violated his rights to associate, move freely, and represent his constituents, causing him both physical harm and emotional distress.
Representative Collins’s complaint mirrors Debee’s, alleging brutality at the hands of police officers while attempting to attend a budget hearing. He claims he sustained bruises during the altercation, while his staff member, Eric Scott, suffered a broken hand. Both Collins and Scott subsequently sought medical treatment at a local clinic. Collins directly implicates both the Minister of Justice and the Police Chief in ordering the alleged attack, demanding an INCHR investigation into their conduct.
The backdrop to these incidents is the ongoing political turmoil within the Liberian House of Representatives. A majority bloc recently ousted Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and elected Richard Nagbe Koon as his replacement. However, Koffa has contested his removal, leading to a protracted power struggle, a Supreme Court intervention that failed to resolve the issue, and heightened tensions within the legislative body. The budget hearing on December 9th appears to have become a flashpoint in this ongoing conflict, with police presence escalating the situation and resulting in the alleged assaults on Representatives Collins and Debee.
These complaints to the INCHR raise serious concerns about the use of force against elected officials and the potential violation of their constitutional rights. The allegations of police brutality, ordered by high-ranking government officials, underscore the fragility of democratic processes in Liberia and the importance of independent oversight bodies like the INCHR. The outcome of the INCHR investigation will be crucial in determining accountability and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights within the Liberian political landscape. The investigation will need to thoroughly examine the events of December 9th, including the role of the Justice Minister and Police Chief, the extent of the force used against the Representatives and their staff, and the broader context of the political tensions within the House of Representatives.
The underlying power struggle within the House, with its disputed leadership and contested legitimacy, further complicates the situation. The clash between the Koffa and Koon factions has created a volatile environment, potentially contributing to the escalation of tensions on December 9th. The presence of police within the Capitol Building, ostensibly to maintain order, appears to have exacerbated the situation, culminating in the alleged assaults on the two Representatives. The INCHR investigation will need to consider these political dynamics and their potential influence on the actions of both the police and the Representatives involved. The ultimate goal should be to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, hold those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable, and promote respect for democratic principles and the rule of law within the Liberian government.
