The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spoon Network, Mr. Stanton Witherspoon, on Monday, January 13, 2025, criticized the Unity Party-led government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during an episode of Spoon Talk.
He accused the administration of engaging in acts of torture, drawing a controversial comparison to the treatment of detainees at “Guantanamo Bay.” Witherspoon, a staunch supporter of Boakai who actively campaigned for him during the 2024 elections, expressed outrage over the alleged inhumane treatment of Thomas Erheridge, a staff member in the office of embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
Witherspoon’s criticism follows the shocking allegations made by Etheridge, who claimed that he was subjected to torture and gross human rights violations by state security forces. Etheridge accused the government of using extreme methods of abuse, including waterboarding, physical beatings, intimidation with a live snake, and threats of sodomy, all aimed at coercing him into making a self-implicating statement.
Etheridge recounted that he was taken to an unknown location, where he endured hours of beatings and was pressured to sign a pre-written statement linking him to the Capitol Building fire incident. Despite the brutal tactics employed, he maintained that he refused to comply with the demands of his captors.
The allegations have sparked widespread outrage, with Witherspoon leading calls for accountability. His remarks are particularly notable given his prior financial and moral support for President Boakai, highlighting the gravity of the accusations. Describing the alleged acts as akin to “Guantanamo Bay,” Witherspoon’s condemnation underscores growing concerns about the government’s approach to dissent and human rights.
On January 13, 2025, Etheridge collapsed after sheriffs from Criminal Court “B” prevented him from receiving a writ of arrest from the Monrovia City Court. This incident occurred shortly after his discharge from the AMI hospital on 1st Street, Sinkor, where he was treated for injuries allegedly sustained during his detention. Etheridge is currently in stable condition at the Liberia National Police headquarters.
The accusations have raised serious questions about the Unity Party government’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law. Human rights advocates and opposition figures have demanded a transparent investigation while public pressure continues to mount on the administration to address these claims.
The Boakai administration has yet to formally respond to the allegations, but the silence risks further eroding public trust. For critics, the alleged mistreatment of Etheridge reflects a dangerous precedent of authoritarian practices within the government, while supporters of the administration await clarity on the matter.
As calls for accountability grow louder on social media, particularly among Facebook commenters, many assert that handling this controversy will significantly influence public perception of President Boakai’s leadership. For a government that has pledged transparency and justice, the Thomas Etheridge case represents a critical test of its principles and credibility.