–As Criminal Court Indicts SUP’s Agitators

IPNEWS: Criminal Court ‘A’ on Monday, August 15, 2022, indicted several Coalition for Democratic Change – Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) members for reportedly brutalizing University Students during the July 26 Independence Day Celebration.

The Court, through its Grand Jurors, charged defendants Ben B. Togbah, Abdurrahman Barry, Aaron K. Chea, Foday N. Massaquoi, Joshua S. Karr, Pukar Roberts and Kendrick S. Pelenah with the crimes of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder which is a second-degree felony.

The indictment however said the defendants’ action was contrary to 4LCLR, Title 36, section 2.7(P) of the panel law of the Republic of Liberia and against the country.

Meanwhile, defense lawyer, Cllr Arthur Johnson said the action of the prosecutor to have filed an indictment for the arrest of his clients was deliberate and purposely intended to undermine the jurisdiction of the Monrovia City Court.

It can be recalled that the University of Liberia (UL) campus-based Students Unification Party (SUP) staged a protest in July 26,2022 named ‘Fix the Country’ for president George Weah’s administration to lead by example and ensure good governance.

SUP said there was no need for Liberia to celebrate its Independence in the midst of abject poverty, hunger, poor medical facilities, bad roads, lack of rule of law, etc. The students said it is wrong for government officials to enrich themselves at the detriment of Liberians.

To counter the SUP’s protest, a Pro Coalition for Democratic Change – Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) staged a protest by visibly unleashing violence on the SUP members who had gathered peacefully at the Premises of the United States Embassy on Benson Street.

The SUP members had to flee for their lives, however, some sustained wounds and other injuries, the worst being meted against Christopher Walter Sisulu Sivili, who is reportedly still in critical condition in hospital.

Meanwhile, SUP has called for a speedy trial in order for Liberians to know the outcome of the violence meted out against its members on July 26 Independence Day. By James Lehmer Hiama, Jr.; hiamajames@gmail.com; 0770334857/0888270604