By Preston Slami Panyonnoh
Monrovia, Liberia – July 15, 2025
STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu has responded fiercely to claims made by Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, dismissing assertions that the July 17 protest lacks legal notice. In a fiery press release delivered today, Morlu accused the Liberia National Police of spreading misinformation, issuing veiled threats, and attempting to intimidate peaceful protesters.
Morlu, a former ruling party chairman and now a vocal opposition leader, insisted that STAND followed all constitutional procedures and formally informed the Ministry of Justice on July 4, 2025, of its intent to protest under Article 17 of Liberia’s Constitution. He condemned the police chief’s remarks as “a deliberate lie meant to mislead the public and undermine the protest.”
“We officially notified the government and have evidence of receipt. Inspector Coleman’s statement is not only false but calculated to provoke fear and justify repression,” Morlu stated.
Morlu went further to allege that elements within the security sector are plotting to sabotage the protest through covert means. He claimed that rogue actors may attempt to plant illicit drugs, introduce infiltrators, or stage violence to discredit the demonstration.
“We are aware of plans to use criminal means to justify a crackdown. But let it be known—we will not be silenced,” he said.
He warned that STAND reserves the right to perform lawful citizens’ arrests if any individuals, including high-ranking officers, attempt to disrupt or incite violence during the protest.
Protest Will Go On – “No Retreat, No Negotiation”
The STAND Chairman reaffirmed that the “Enough is Enough” protest scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, will go ahead, declaring it non-negotiable.
“We will not pause. We will not retreat. And we will not be silenced,” he emphasized.
Morlu rejected any notion of backing down or entering negotiations that would compromise the aims of the protest, which he described as a fight against corruption, injustice, and poor governance.
STAND has received backing from several political and civic groups, including the CDC Youth League. Despite the controversy, the protest has reportedly received legal clearance from the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police—clearing any ambiguity about its legitimacy.
With mounting tensions ahead of July 17, Morlu’s press statement has ignited national conversation and further cemented his stance as a prominent opposition voice. As Liberia braces for mass action in the streets of Monrovia, all eyes will be on how both the government and protesters conduct themselves in the hours ahead.