MONROVIA, January 19, 2026 — Liberia’s civil rights advocacy movement, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), has issued a strong condemnation of the administration of President Joseph Boakai, accusing the government of fostering a climate marked by human rights abuses, selective justice, police brutality, and institutional impunity.
In a sharply worded statement released Monday, STAND warned that Liberia is experiencing what it described as a dangerous decline in respect for the rule of law, civic freedoms, and democratic accountability. The movement said these developments constitute violations of Liberia’s Constitution as well as international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.
STAND specifically criticized the Liberia National Police (LNP) for what it termed the selective application of justice. The group cited the decision by police authorities to clear J. Bryant McGill of rape allegations based on DNA evidence, while noting that many other individuals accused of sexual violence are routinely prosecuted without access to similar forensic analysis. According to STAND, this disparity undermines equal protection under the law and weakens safeguards meant to protect women and children.
“No police authority has the constitutional power to declare anyone guilty or innocent,” the group stated, warning that such actions erode due process and public trust in Liberia’s justice system.
The movement also raised serious concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters, accusing state security forces of violently suppressing lawful demonstrations through the use of tear gas, arbitrary arrests, and what it described as fabricated charges. STAND further alleged that civilian provocateurs have been deployed to disrupt civil society activities, characterizing the tactic as a form of state-sponsored intimidation.
STAND declared that the Liberia National Police has become morally compromised under its current leadership and called for urgent accountability measures and institutional reforms to restore professionalism and respect for human rights.
Beyond domestic governance, the group criticized Liberia’s diplomatic engagement with Venezuela’s government, arguing that such alignment contradicts Liberia’s historic commitment to democracy, human rights, and international law.
After nearly two years of advocacy and two mass protests held in July and December 2025, STAND announced the launch of sustained civil disobedience until the government addresses grievances raised by citizens. The movement emphasized that all actions will remain peaceful and rooted in nonviolent resistance.
STAND also appealed to international partners, diplomatic missions, and global human rights organizations to intensify monitoring efforts and apply targeted sanctions against individuals accused of abuses, while cautioning against measures that would harm ordinary Liberians.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful struggle, the group urged citizens to remain calm, resolute, and united. “Justice is not optional,” the statement concluded. “The struggle continues, and resistance remains a moral duty.”
