The Liberia National Police (LNP) has charged and forwarded to Court Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of Solidarity Trust for New Day (STAND), and Rev. Festus R. B. Logan, Deputy Chairman, following the conclusion of investigations into violent incidents arising from the December 17, 2025 protest in Monrovia.
The defendants face multiple charges, including Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Conspiracy, Rioting, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Highways and Public Passages, which resulted in the incidents of Simple Assault, Criminal Mischief, Robbery, and Theft of Property. According to the LNP on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, the defendants are charged with violations of Chapter 10 Section 10.3, 10.4, and Chapter 17 Section 17.3 and 17.7 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.
It can be recalled that the Liberian National Police condemned, in the strongest terms, violent acts that marred the Solidarity Trust for New Day (STAND)-led protest in Monrovia, ordered organizers to report for questioning or face arrest. The LNP said on Thursday, December 17, 2025, the police acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression. However, violence, intimidation, and property destruction will not be tolerated by any group of people in Liberia.
The LNP identified and invited three individuals to its headquarters to aid in the investigation, including Mulbah Morlu, Alivin Wesseh, and Archie Pompom, threatening arrest based on their failure to comply. However, many Liberians expressed concerns that President Joseph Boakai’s government is cracking down on civil society groups to silence critical voices. STAND further accused the President is muzzling critics by inviting protest leaders for questioning by the police.
STAND alleged that the move was an attempt to suppress free speech and dissenting voices, as the organization was exercising its constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression. However, the group vowed to continue exercising its constitutional rights and speaking out against government policies and actions that it deems unjust or unfair. As the situation unfolds, many Liberians are watching with bated breath, wondering if the government will take further action.
