IPNEWS: Last week, the main opposition CDC of former President George Manneh Weah called on the Liberian Senate to reject the new President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s nomination of Nelson Freeman as Deputy Police Inspector General of Operations (102), accusing him of being involved in human rights abuses including the 2011 shooting at the CDC’s headquarters which left one person dead.
“Driven by an excessive zeal to further political agendas, Mr. J. Nelson Freeman, on separate occasions, notably on November 7th, 2011, led a brutal special unit of the Liberia National Police. This unit trespassed onto the premises of the Congress for Democratic Change in Congo Town, where they subjected unarmed civilians to brutalization and point-blank shootings, resulting in fatalities. Despite these egregious human rights violations, Mr. Freeman evaded accountability,” said the CDC press statement, which was signed by its Secretary General Jefferson Koijee, who was himself placed on US government sanctions for alleged human rights abuse.
In furtherance to the CDC demands, the party has written an official communication to Senate Pro Tem Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, urging the rejection of individuals with troubling human rights record.
The communication dated February 18, 2024 to Sneate Pro-Tempore’ Karnga-Lawrence, the CDC stated that it draws the Pro-Tempore attention to the significant legal, ethical, and moral concerns regarding the potential confirmation of two individuals, allegedly involved in human rights abuses, before the Honorable Senate.
CDC stated that the nominees in question, Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin, Internal Affairs Minister – designate, and Mr. J. Nelson Freeman, Deputy Inspector General of Police-designate, face serious accusations of violating the human rights of innocent Liberian citizens.
“In fulfilling our duties to the state, including the critical scrutiny of appointed officials, it is our duty to alert the Liberian Senate to the potential risks associated with endorsing individuals with such troubling allegations. Any support for these individuals will not only tarnish the moral standing of the Senate but, will send the wrong signal that the Liberian Senate is complicit in the act and is up for business as usual.”
“Madam President Pro Tempore, the allegations against these nominees are grave. Mr. Freeman, on separate occasions, notably on November 7th, 2011, allegedly led a brutal special unit of the Liberia National Police to attack unarmed civilians at the Congress for Democratic Change premises in Congo Town, resulting in multiple casualties. Despite these accusations, Mr. Freeman has not faced accountability, and his victims continue to seek justice.”
“Similarly, Mr. Nyumalin, a former legislator, has been implicated in orchestrating violence during recent elections in Foya, Lofa County, where he openly identified as an ‘Old rebel’ and incited violence against perceived political opponents. His actions resulted in bloodshed and fear among the populace.”
“Madam President Pro Tempore and esteemed Senators, these incidents underscore the brutality inflicted on innocent citizens by the nominees. A callous disregard of these genuine concerns will definitely reflect poorly on the Senate’s moral integrity, and signal to our international partners that the new administration is not interested in democratic accountability, i.e., the rule of law”.
“We anticipate flimsy objections to our request on the slippery grounds that confirming individuals with ‘questionable moral character’ is not unprecedented. However, for the growth and strength of our democracy, it is imperative to take a firm stance against impunity. We advocate for accountability regardless of tribal, religious, or political affiliations because it is in keeping with public policy.”
“We urge President H.E. Joseph N. Boakai to reconsider these nominations. Should he not comply, we trust the Senate, empowered by the doctrine of separation of powers, to act in the best interest of the nation.”
“Therefore, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Liberia, the Congress for Democratic Change implores the Honorable Senate to reject the nominations of Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin and Mr. J. Nelson Freeman. In conclusion, we are willing to meet with your office to clarify any concern you may have regarding the matter raised herein. We hope that your leadership and the Senate’s judgment will prevent any further actions by the victims, which, if necessary, will be peacefully supported by the Congress for Democratic Change.” The CDC letter outlined.
In the wake of the accusation by CDC, a Special Independent Commission of Inquiry Reports on the November 7, 2011 Violence in and around the vicinity of the CCDC submitted by then Justice Minister, Cllr. Christiana P. Tah on August 10, 2021 did not find the former Deputy Police Commissioner, Freeman liable for shooting any civilian, although findings showed that he opened fire.
Count 1 of the finding of the investigative panel said: “LNP Deputy Commissioner, J. Nelson Freeman: The investigation established that Deputy Commissioner J. Nelson Freeman on November 7, 2011, did enter the CDC Compound during the rioting and had an altercation with UNMIL officers, who tried to disarm him. DCP Freeman discharged his service weapon in an attempt to resist disarmament by the UNMIL officers.”
It further said:
“THE PANEL THEREFORE CONCLUDES THAT OFFICER FREEMAN’S DISCHARGE OF HIS FIREARM WAS IN VIOLATION OF LNP FIREARM POLICY, BUT SAID ACTION CANNOT BE CONSTRUED AS CRIMINAL IN THAT HIS WEAPON WAS NOT TARGETED AT CIVILIANS OR UNMIL PERSONNEL BUT WAS DIRECTED TO THE GROUND, AND NO ONE GOT INJURED AS A RESULT.”
According to the Pane’s findings, “when questioned further as to why he discharged his weapon, DCP Freeman indicated that he was constrained to fire because he was afraid his disarmament would expose him to greater danger while in the compound of the CDC headquarters.”
Besides bullets being discharged by DCP Freeman in and around the CDC headquarters, the investigation catalogued a number of other rounds of bullets fired by police officers on that day, but couldn’t say which one caused the fatality.
“HOWEVER, THE VIDEO FOOTAGE DID NOT CLEARLY REVEAL THE IDENTITY OT THE PERSON WHO DID THE fIRING; NEITHER DID THE PANEL IDENTIfY FAHNBULLEH AS THE PERSON WHO WAS DOING THE FIRING,” THE PANEL REPORT NOTED.
Before the situation could be brought under control, the then Unity Party government of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the time admitted that “one person was killed and several others wounded, including six police officers and eight protesters. About seventy five protesters were arrested.”
