Monrovia, Liberia – Protesters arrested during Tuesday’s demonstration have been released on a $50,000 criminal appearance bond. The incident, which has drawn significant public and media attention, involves the former presidential aide to ex-President George Manneh Weah, Sekou Kalasco Damaro, whose imprisonment followed a writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Court. The complaint was filed by the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice, citing charges including riot, failure to disperse, obstruction of highways, and aggravated assault.
The writ accuses Kalasco and his co-defendants of using various media platforms to incite Liberians to gather for a protest at the National Legislature on December 12, 2024. The protest, which allegedly violated several sections of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia, was deemed unlawful and intentional by the authorities.
“The alleged act of the Defendants being unlawful, wicked, criminal, and intentional violates Chapters 17, 12, 15 & 14, Sections 17.1, 17.3, 12.1, 1553, 1.51, and 14.20 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia,” the writ stated, emphasizing that the defendants’ actions constituted a breach of peace and dignity for the Republic.
According to the writ, the protest led by Kalasco and others commenced on December 17, 2024, at 8:00 AM. The protesters assembled at various locations in Montserrado County before proceeding to Capitol Hill. The document claims they attempted to forcibly enter the Capitol Building, blocked main streets, and broke through barriers set up by the Liberia National Police (LNP). This occurred while government officials, including President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, were present for a book-signing ceremony in memory of former Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
The writ further alleges that during the protest, the defendants physically assaulted LNP Patrolman Amara Bility, resulting in injuries and damage to a state-owned olive-green Toyota Prado vehicle, license plate A6309, along with three other vehicles. The total damage is estimated at $40,000.
In addition to Kalasco, the defendants charged for their involvement include Martha Johnson, Comfort N. Brown, Charles Johnson, Francis Flono, Augustine Zaizay, Stanley Flomo, and others. They face serious legal repercussions for their actions.
The situation took a distressing turn as reports emerged that pregnant women were among those arrested and detained. According to information received, one of the pregnant women was bleeding while in custody, and another was experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, raising concerns about their treatment and well-being.
Speaking to the media, Sekou Kalasco Damaro claimed his rights were violated, asserting that he was not part of the protest. He alleged that he was tortured while in police custody, stating, “I was sitting with friends at a gas station on Capitol Bypass when I was picked up by armed men and taken to the police headquarters. A police officer threatened to kill me if I had a weapon.”
The case continues to unfold as the defendants prepare to answer the charges in court. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities of political and civil unrest in Liberia, with added attention to the treatment of vulnerable individuals during such incidents.
