President Boakai's "No Political Prisoners" Statement Contradicted by Data

President Joseph Boakai

President Joseph Boakai’s recent assertion that his administration does not harbor political prisoners, suppress the press, or tolerate police brutality is contradicted by documented incidents from 2024–2025, revealing gross systemic human rights violations.

The December 2024 "White Tuesday" protest resulted in the arrest of approximately 70 demonstrators, including Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a former aide to ex-President George Weah. Protesters were detained in undisclosed locations after police dispersed the peaceful assembly with tear gas, violating Article 17 of Liberia’s Constitution [2][4]. Additionally, reports from the March 2024 Kinjor protest indicate police used live ammunition, leading to three fatalities—a further indication of suppression of dissent [1][2].

Under Boakai’s administration, cases of police brutality have escalated. Representative Luther Sandy Collins alleged physical assault by police during a budget hearing in December 2024, resulting in injuries to himself and his staff [4]. Similarly, Austine Yarkpawolo Freeman died in April 2024 after being beaten by seven police officers in Paynesville [8]. These incidents highlight unchecked violence within law enforcement agencies.

Freeman’s death exemplifies severe misconduct within Liberia’s security forces. Reports indicate that officers broke into his home at night and assaulted him without cause, leaving him fatally injured. This case shows the lack of accountability within law enforcement [8].

Excessive force during peaceful demonstrations has become a recurring issue. Tear gas was deployed against protesters advocating for constitutional adherence during legislative disputes in December 2024[4][9]. Additionally, student protests over unpaid teachers’ salaries in March 2025 were met with tear gas and violent arrests [7][9]. These actions reflect a broader trend of suppressing civil liberties.

Public frustration with law enforcement has grown following violent confrontations between police and civilians, including motorcyclists. Videos showing officers engaging in physical altercations have sparked debates about professionalism within the Liberia National Police (LNP), further eroding public trust [5][8].

Despite President Boakai's reassurances, evidence from recent years reveals systemic human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, suppression of protests, and police brutality. These contradictions show the President's statement is more rhetorical than genuine [2][4][8].

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Additional Sources:

[1] https://smartnewsliberia.com/calls-for-immediate-sanctions-on-boakai-koung-administration-over-human-rights-abuses-and-corruption/

[2] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/gross-human-rights-violations-under-boakai-s-administration

[3] https://smartnewsliberia.com/boakai-reaffirms-press-freedom-vows-no-political-prisoners-under-his-watch/

[4] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/2024-a-year-of-gross-human-rights-violations-in-liberia

[5] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-videos-of-police-officers-fighting-in-public-spark-serious-concern/

[6] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/human-rights/liberia-inchr-2024-report-highlights-alarming-human-rights-violations-in-liberia/

[7] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-rights-defenders-of-liberia-condemn-police-violence-against-student-protesters/

[8] https://allafrica.com/stories/202503280286.html

[9] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/bloody-tuesday-in-monrovia-police-brutalize-innocent-mcss-students

[10] https://knewsonline.com/%E2%80%9CNo-More-Press-Suppression,%E2%80%9D-President-Boakai-Commits-To-Upholding-Media-Protection-Amid-Mounting-Press-Freedom-Concerns

[11] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/inchr-2024-report-boakai-administration-faces-allegations-of-violating-geneva-convention-and-global

[12] https://www.emansion.gov.lr/sites/default/files/documents/FINAL%20VERSION%20NK-SAS-2025f1.pdf

[13] https://gnnliberia.com/speech-by-president-joseph-nyuma-boakai-president-of-the-republic-of-liberia-at-the-first-annual-presidential-media-dinner-april-10-2025-ejs-ministerial-complex/

[14] https://www.mofa.gov.lr/media/press-releases/president-boakai-declares-saturday-march-8-2025-international-womens-day-be

[15] https://smartnewsliberia.com/pul-president-urges-action-on-press-sustainability-and-rule-of-law-at-presidential-media-dinner/

[16] https://www.mfdp.gov.lr/index.php/media-center/press-release/president-boakai-formally-launches-processes-leading-to-crafting-of-arrest-agenda-for-inclusive-development

[17] https://gossipliberia.com/boakai-hosts-first-presidential-media-dinner-vows-press-freedom/

[18] https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/liberia/

[19] https://freedomhouse.org/country/liberia/freedom-world/2024

[20] https://wademosnetwork.org/2025/04/liberia-president-boakai-criticized-for-purchasing-300k-vehicles-amid-economic-hardship/

[21] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-ex-vp-howard-taylor-cautions-boakai-administration-over-police-ruthless-handling-of-demonstrators/