Monrovia, Liberia — December 16, 2025-The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) and the December 17 Protest Coalition have rejected a claim by the Liberia National Police (LNP) that the Executive Mansion grounds are not designated for public protests, insisting that the position is unconstitutional and politically selective.
In a statement issued Tuesday, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. described the police assertion as “historically dishonest and legally baseless,” arguing that the same location was used for public protests and political assemblies during the 2019 and 2020 periods by individuals who now occupy senior positions in government.
According to Morlu, constitutional rights to peaceful assembly “do not expire or change location with a shift in political power,” and cannot be suspended by administrative directives or police instructions.
STAND said it intends to proceed with its planned December 17 “Lead or Leave” peaceful protest at the Executive Mansion, emphasizing that the demonstration will be nonviolent, orderly, and conducted within the bounds of the law.
The Liberia National Police has cited public safety and the ongoing festive season as reasons for discouraging the planned gathering. However, STAND rejected those explanations, stating that economic hardship, unemployment, alleged police abuses, land disputes, and corruption have left many Liberians with little reason to celebrate.
“There is nothing festive about hunger, poverty, and insecurity,” the group said, adding that the Constitution does not provide for the suspension of civil liberties during holidays.
STAND also called on the police to publicly commit to refraining from the use of excessive force, including tear gas or live ammunition, and to avoid intimidation or arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters.
The group warned that any attempt to disrupt or violently confront demonstrators would place responsibility squarely on those issuing such orders, noting that history has shown the political consequences of deploying state security against unarmed civilians.
The December 17 protest, branded “Lead or Leave,” is part of a broader campaign by STAND and allied groups demanding improved governance, accountability, and respect for civil liberties. Organizers say participants will assemble peacefully at the seat of government, as has occurred during previous administrations.
As of Tuesday evening, the Liberia National Police had not issued a detailed public response addressing STAND’s specific demands regarding crowd control measures or protest management.
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