Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-04 02:28:00
State security forces have been under scrutiny for their use of excessive force while protecting the gold mining company Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), resulting in lawmakers voting to recall the army and police deployed there over two years ago. The Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman, recently admitted to the discharge of live bullets by the police during a protest against BMMC’s operations in Grand Cape Mount County.
During a press conference at the Liberia National Police headquarters in Monrovia, Col. Coleman confirmed that the police had fired live rounds, leading to the deaths of two individuals. He defended the police’s actions by stating that they had exercised maximum restraint and only resorted to live ammunition after exhausting all non-lethal options. Despite efforts to communicate with local leaders to de-escalate the situation, the protesters continued with violent acts, prompting the use of live bullets by the police.
Col. Coleman assured the public that an investigation into the incident was underway, emphasizing the importance of transparency. He mentioned seeking a second review of the use of force from the Association of Liberian Law Enforcement Professionals in the United States to ensure an objective assessment. The Police Inspector General also highlighted the presence of firearms among the protesters and emphasized the need for proportionate use of force in such situations.
The police have arrested twenty-three individuals, including three females and twenty males, who are currently under investigation at the LNP headquarters. Col. Coleman provided updates on the injured police officers, revealing that most of them had been released from medical care, with only two remaining at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
Furthermore, the police have released video footage from the protest scenes in Grand Cape Mount and Caldwell to gather more information from the public. Col. Coleman announced that order had been restored in Grand Cape Mount County, although concerns remain about ongoing issues between different community members feeling disenfranchised by others.
In addressing questions about the use of live bullets, Col. Coleman emphasized that officers are trained in the proper use of firearms and are authorized to use lethal force in self-defense. He maintained that the decision to discharge live rounds was made based on the perceived threat to officers’ lives, following a protocol of proportionate force.
The Police Inspector General reiterated the commitment to transparency in handling the investigation and pledged to release the findings to the public once concluded. He also highlighted the cooperation between the police force and external law enforcement organizations to ensure a thorough and impartial review of the incident.
Overall, the situation in Grand Cape Mount County reflects the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest. The actions of the security forces, particularly the police, are under scrutiny, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to professional standards in handling such sensitive situations.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
