By Pewu Y. Sumo
Capitol Hill, Monrovia— The Liberia National Police (LNP) has clarified public speculation over the stoppage of a vehicle being used to publicize upcoming Solidarity and Trust for A New Day (STAND) protest.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, police authorities strongly denied allegations of political interference, asserting that the intervention was strictly a routine traffic enforcement action.
According to the LNP, traffic officers flagged down the vehicle after noticing obvious mechanical defects that posed an immediate threat to road safety. Following a physical inspection, officers determined the vehicle was entirely unfit to remain on public roads.
The police emphasized that the decision to halt the vehicle was purely operational.
“The action was based solely on the defective condition of the vehicle and public-safety considerations,” the LNP press statement read.
“It was not connected to the planned protest and was not intended to interfere with the organizers or their activities.”
While reinforcing its commitment to constitutional rights, the LNP reminded the public that traffic laws apply universally, regardless of the political or social nature of a vehicle’s journey.
The LNP reaffirmed its duty to protect the constitutional rights of Liberians to peacefully assemble and demonstrate in accordance with the law but warned that all vehicles operating on public roads must strictly comply with national transport and safety regulations.
Closing the statement, the LNP urged both the general public and media outlets to verify facts before sharing information, while reiterating their willingness to facilitate a peaceful, safe, and lawful demonstration.
Earlier today, reports suggested that civil society group, STAND, headed by former Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) accused police authorities of undermining its upcoming July 17 Lead or Leave Protest publicity. STAND alleged that it vehicle designated to carryout out publicity was impounded thereby stoping the exercise.
However, the LNP has moved to deny claims from the civil society group, stating that the “vehicle was not road worthy.”
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