Published: April 4, 2025
Weala, Margibi County –– The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) has strongly dismissed allegations that prominent businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, commonly known as Mr. Jeety, is behind the prolonged detention of individuals arrested in connection with the violent protest at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) on June 27, 2024.
In a statement issued Thursday, CSNL described the claims as “fake propaganda driven by ignorance,” aimed at damaging Mr. Jeety’s reputation and sowing discord between him and employees of the corporation. The group emphasized that Mr. Jeety was not the owner of the SRC at the time of the protest and has no role in the ongoing legal proceedings against the accused individuals.
CSNL clarified that contrary to public speculation and media reports, Mr. Jeety is not influencing the judiciary to delay or dismiss the case involving former SRC employees. “Let it be made clear,” the statement noted, “that the Government of Liberia is currently prosecuting Madam Mary P. Boimah and Lawrence Gorgbor—the former President and Secretary General of the Workers’ Union—as well as others allegedly involved in orchestrating the violent protest against the plantation’s previous management.”
According to CSNL, the government’s involvement is purely based on the SRC being the direct victim of the violent actions, which included property destruction and threats to national security. The civil society group said the incident occurred four months before Mr. Jeety acquired the company, and therefore he cannot be held liable.
“The truth is, the Government of Liberia took legal action against Madam Mary Boimah and others—not Mr. Jeety,” the statement emphasized. “The court has informed CSNL that since it is still pursuing others implicated in the protest, it cannot release those already in custody without jeopardizing the prosecution.”
CSNL also pointed out that the wave of accusations against Mr. Jeety stems from the company’s decision not to rehire Boimah and her associates after he assumed ownership. The group explained that all previous staff were paid off, and the SRC under Mr. Jeety instituted a new merit-based recruitment process.
“The new management had every right to decide whom to rehire based on professionalism and ethical standards,” the organization stated, adding that it would have been inappropriate to rehire individuals already under indictment.
While reaffirming its stance against unlawful imprisonment, CSNL highlighted that Madam Boimah has a history of inciting violence. She is accused of leading prior unrest that resulted in the burning of a police station and magisterial court in Kakata, Margibi County.
In conclusion, CSNL warned against politicizing issues that threaten national security and investment. “The act of scapegoating and tarnishing the image of legitimate investors only discourages investment in Liberia,” the group stated. “We urge all citizens to prioritize the common good and safeguard Liberia’s peace and development.”
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