MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police has given the chairman of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and Representative Moses Acarous Gray, also a high-ranking member of the Coalition, up to Monday, August 26 to submit themselves for questioning in connection with recent electoral violence.
Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
The Inspector-General of Police on Thursday, August 22 told Plenary of the Senate that the pair are of key interest to the investigation that led to the assault of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Col. Marvin Sackor, allegedly by supporters of the ruling party, but have refused to collaborate with the investigation.
The CDC, however, reacted to the Col. Sudue testimony, claiming “he lied under oath”. The CDC insist that at no time were any of the members of its leadership invited by the Police for questioning.
“As the CDC condemns all forms of violence at all times, it nevertheless refutes Director Sudue’s information as untrue. The CDC, neither its officials has not received any letter of invitation, or calls from the Police, especially in regards to an ongoing investigation,” the party said in a statement read by its Chairman, Morlu.
“We would like to use this medium to inform Chairman Morlu that the LNP stands by every statement it made yesterday before members of the Senate especially concerning the invitation of Chairman Morlu and Hon. Acarous Gray to assist with this investigation,” the Police said in a statement.
The police, meanwhile, clarified that Morlu and Gray have not been declared suspects, but only finds it obvious that to invite the two ranking members to ascertain the cause of the violence and assault that occurred at the party’s headquarters.
“It is only obvious for us to invite Chairman Morlu and Hon. Gray to hear from them on what transpired at the CDC’s headquarters as it relates to the alleged assault on DIGPO Sackor since in fact they, as leaders of the CDC were on the scene of the incident which is aimed at ensuring that the perpetrators are made to face the full weight of the law.”
“Hence, the LNP is using this medium to request the appearance of Chairman Morlu and Hon. Acarous Gray at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police not later than 12:00 Noon on Monday, August 26, 2019,” the Police statement asserted.
The Liberia National Police said it is deeply concern about the frequency of violence in the country.
According to the Police, these violent situations continue to undermine the revenue generation capacity of the government vis-à-vis the economy, hindering free movement and destruction of properties of peaceful citizens.
The Police warned that any group of people or individual who would engage in any act of violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“We must understand that the upholding of the peace and stability of our country is not only the responsibility of the Police or the Joint Security, but it is the responsibilities of all Liberians,” the Police said.
District #15 Investigation Update
The Liberia National Police has arrested three suspects in connection to the electoral violence in District #15, Montserrado County.
Those arrested include Romeo Nayonkon, 26 years old, Prince Kollie, 18 years old and Joseph Bropleh, 20 years old.
These suspects were arrested based on the cooperation of some residents of District #15 to assist the LNP with information in this investigation.
The LNP investigators were also successful in retrieving the laptop of candidate Telia Urey which was stolen from her vehicle during the violence.
These suspects are currently detained at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police and will be subsequently forwarded to court.