Monrovia, Liberia- In an official response to recent statements from Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia’s leading political pressure movements, has firmly condemned what it terms as deceptive and misleading claims made by IG Coleman regarding the planned “Enough is Enough” protest set for July 17, 2025.
The organization, through its lead campaigner, Mulbah Morlu, asserted that the peaceful protests organized by citizens will not be deterred by police threats or the warnings issued by Coleman.
His assertions, made under the guise of ensuring public security, are viewed as a calculated attempt to disrupt and legitimize citizens’ constitutional right to protest.
Coleman’s claims, suggesting that protest organizers failed to inform the Minister of Justice and insinuating that participants may be armed, have been labeled as reckless misinformation.
“These statements serve only to incite fear among potential protesters and lay the groundwork for a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators,” STAND emphasizes that such fabrications are not only misleading but fundamentally unconstitutional.
Morlu noted that STAND formally notified the Minister of Justice on July 4, 2025, regarding the protest details, fully aligning with Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful assembly.
The movement believes it is unacceptable for the Inspector General to feign ignorance about these notifications while perpetuating a narrative designed to undermine the protest’s legitimacy.
Additionally, Morlu stated that STAND stands resolute in its commitment to peaceful demonstration, asserting that the voices of the people will not be silenced by threats or misinformation.
The organization calls on all citizens to remain united and resolute in their right to peacefully express their dissent and demands accountability from public officials who resort to intimidation and deception.
Moreover, STAND emphasizes its commitment to transparency and upholding the rule of law by widely circulating notifications to national media regarding upcoming protests. In further response to Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s claims that protest organizers failed to comply with legal procedures, STAND categorically states these accusations are false and an attempt to discredit legitimate civil resistance.
The organization argues that Coleman’s unsubstantiated assertions of armed protesters are not only baseless propaganda but also defamatory, stating that STAND’s allies have no records of violence.
However, the organization expresses grave concern over Coleman’s reported rhetoric, viewing it as a potential pretext for orchestrating state-sponsored violence against peaceful demonstrators.
STAND raises alarms about the credibility of the police’s intentions, asserting that such fear-driven remarks resemble a calculated strategy aimed at justifying a violent crackdown.
The STAND organization firmly warns that any government official or security operative attempting to infiltrate the protests or incite chaos will face lawful citizens’ arrest, reinforcing that no individual, regardless of rank or title, is above the Constitution or the rights of the citizens.
As the July 17 protest approaches, STAND calls upon the international community and democratic allies to remain vigilant and supportive of the Liberian people’s right to peaceful assembly.
The organization asserts that the planned demonstration is a crucial step towards reclaiming fundamental rights and ensuring justice for all citizens.
