By Matalay Kollie
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a prominent civil society organization in Liberia, has sharply criticized Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman for recent statements regarding the upcoming “Enough is Enough” protest scheduled for July 17, 2025.
STAND described Coleman’s claims as deceptive and misleading, aimed at undermining citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
In a statement, lead campaigner Mulbah Morlu emphasized that police threats would not deter the planned peaceful protests.
He accused Col. Coleman of attempting to legitimize an unwarranted crackdown on demonstrators by spreading what STAND considers reckless misinformation.
The organization strongly condemned Coleman’s insinuations that protest organizers failed to notify the Minister of Justice and that participants might be armed, deeming these assertions baseless and inciting fear.
Morlu pointed out that STAND had formally notified the Minister of Justice on July 4, 2025, by Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful assembly.
He called it unacceptable for the Inspector General to ignore this compliance while perpetuating a narrative that could deligitimize the protest.
Emphasizing their commitment to peaceful demonstration, STAND urged citizens to remain united in their right to express dissent without fear of intimidation.
The organization also highlights its efforts to maintain transparency by widely disseminating protest notifications to national media.
In response to Coleman’s allegations, STAND categorically rejected claims that organizers failed to adhere to legal procedures, asserting that such accusations are an attempt to discredit legitimate civil resistance.
Morlu stated that Coleman’s unsubstantiated claims of armed protesters serve only to spread defamatory propaganda, as STAND’s allies maintain a history free of violence.
STAND also expressed deep concern that Coleman’s rhetoric could serve as a pretext for potential state-sponsored violence against peaceful demonstrators, stating that the organization will resist any unlawful and forceful attempts by law enforcement officers.
As the protest date approaches, the organization remains resolute in its mission to uphold the constitutional rights of Liberians.
