IPNEWS: Authorities of the Liberia National Police Wednesday, December 18, barricaded the residence of CDC District #9, Representative Frank Saah Foko in like of a summons as ‘person of Interest ‘ in a fire incident on the premises of the Liberia Legislature.
The invitation according to the Liberian National Police was for questioning in connection to the fire incident that devastated the Capitol Building on Wednesday morning, fire severely damaging the joint chamber of the Capitol Building.
While investigators have yet to determine the cause, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, during a visit to the scene, hinted at possible foul play and pledged to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Representative Foko’s invitation for questioning stems from an earlier statement he allegedly made, threatening to burn down the Capitol if members of the majority bloc did not return to work to do the business of the Liberian people.
In a communication sent to him, the LNP’s Deputy Inspector General for Crimes described Foko as a “person of interest” in the ongoing investigation.
“I am U=103, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for Crime Services/Criminal Investigation.
You are invited as a person of interest to meet with my team of investigators at the Central Police Headquarters on Capitol Hill today, December 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM, regarding the fire incident affecting the Capitol Building. Please come along with your lawyer with utmost importance.”
Prior to this fire incident, Representative Frank Saah Foko, called for an impartial investigation into the use of ‘lethal weapon’ by state security, particularly the Liberia National Police during Tuesday, December 17, 2024, ‘𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧’.
Rep. Foko, one of the leaders of the ‘𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧’, stated that Tuesday’s peaceful assembly intended to exercise the fundamental rights of expression and protest was violently suppressed by the LNP.
The District No. 9 Representative said protesters advocating for their rights and the protection and adherence to the rule of law were subject to severe force including the use of ‘Live bullets’, a claim the LNP has denied.
Rep. Foko, disclosed that in an effort to ensure the protection of the rights of peaceful citizens, he has taken immediate steps to seek justice on behalf of the affected citizens allegedly sustained bullet wounds including other injuries through the court system.
“Today, a peaceful assembly organized to exercise fundamental rights of expression and protest was violently suppressed by the Liberian National Police. The protestors, advocating for their right to assemble and voice their concerns, were subjected to severe force, including live bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, all of which are clear violations of their constitutional rights. The heavy-handed response by law enforcement stands in stark contrast to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the protection of civil liberties as enshrined in Liberia’s constitution.”
“As the representative of District 9 in Montserrado County, I, Frank Saah Foko, strongly condemn the excessive use of force against peaceful citizens. The constitution of Liberia guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, protest, and freedom of movement, all of which were grossly infringed upon by today’s actions. It is deeply troubling that citizens expressing their grievances in a non-violent manner were met with brutality from those entrusted to uphold the law.”
“In light of these violations, I have taken immediate steps to seek justice on behalf of the affected citizens. I have already reached out to the court system to initiate legal actions against all individuals and institutions responsible for the unlawful actions taken against the protestors, including those who were unlawfully imprisoned. This is not just a fight for the individuals involved, but for the preservation of our democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights.” Representative Saah Foko stated in a release.
The young District 9 Representative further argued that the use of force by the Liberian National Police sets a dangerous precedent that undermines public trust in the law enforcement agencies and threatens the foundation of our democratic society. The constitutional right to peaceful protest is an essential pillar of democracy, and no citizen should ever fear such brutal retaliation when exercising that right. The actions taken today only serve to deepen divisions and perpetuate an atmosphere of fear rather than dialogue and resolution.
“As a public servant, I am committed to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for this egregious violation are held accountable. I call on all Liberians to stand united in the defense of our constitutional rights and to support efforts to hold authorities accountable for their actions. This unfortunate incident must not be allowed to go unchecked, and we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and the protection of the rights of all Liberians. The Law is the Law.” Representative Foko press statement concludes.
