(Monrovia- Liberia, August 28, 2020) : After Some Anti-rape Protesters Alleged That LNP Officers Use Excessive Force, LNP Says It’s Only Intended to Indent Its Image.

In communication release Joint Security, says the it frowns on the attitude of some individuals and advocacy institutions to dent its image in the eyes of the public after its Thursday’s efforts in assuring public safety, protection of lives and property, and the observance of the rights to Free movement.

In the afternoon hours of Thursdays, August 27, 2020, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nobel Laureate, Madam Lemah Gbowee and some advocacy groups released statements accusing the Joint Security of using excessive force in dealing with anti-rape protesters.

The groups, in their accusations accused the Police of injuring protesters as a result of excessive force used in dealing with them.

In view of these accusations, the Joint Security clarifies that it did not use excessive force in dealing with anti-rape protesters.

“This is evident from the fact that all those that were restrained and taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police were not injured or did not have any bodily wounds” the release further stated.

The LNP wonders how did these groups and individuals reach their conclusions of the use of excessive force when there were no injuries reported up till now.

During the early morning hours of Thursday, the Joint Security took a decision to prevent protesters from blocking the road and movement of people, ensured public order and public safety. It’s on said basis that protesters were advised to leave the main streets, but some chose to challenge lawful instructions.

Those arrested yesterday were the ones who failed to follow lawful instructions and some of them even attacked some of our officers who were deployed in the field to interact with the protesters. However, they were later released with some caution.

It is important to note that the groups did not obtain permits from the Ministry of Justice, but they were allowed to go on since their actions were in the best interest of the overall population in the fight against rape and sexual gender based violence.

Hence, the LNP cautions all Liberians to show respect for the rule of law and follow lawful instructions, as it is done all over the world.

The LNP reiterates its commitment to the fight against rape and to upholding the rule of law while guaranteeing the protection of the fragile peace Liberia currently enjoys.