MONROVIA — Christopher Wleh Sivili, a former student leader at the University of Liberia, is seeking closure for the inhumane treatment and torture he allegedly suffered at the hands of a splinter group of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change. The incident occurred during a student-led protest against the Weah-led government on Liberia’s 175th Independence Day in 2022.
The protest, which coincided with Liberia’s 175th Independence Day, escalated into violence when members of the CDC-COP, a splinter group of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change, allegedly attacked the demonstrators. Sivili was chased, beaten, stripped naked, and humiliated publicly — a distressing ordeal captured and widely shared on social media.
He later felt compelled to leave the country and exile himself for the remaining years of ex-President George Weah’s term.
Seeking closure and accountability, Sivili has reached out to the Independent National Human Rights Commission (INHRC) and the Ministry of Justice, requesting a thorough investigation into the incident and the enforcement of justice. In his communications, Sivili expressed frustration over the lack of updates on the investigation which was reported to the INHRC back in 2022. He has demanded a copy of the investigation report and called for any recommendations and actions to be communicated to him as a victim seeking justice.
He stated in both communications: “To date, I have not received any update or seen the findings of the investigation. As the victim, I am entitled to know the outcome and any recommendations made by your commission. I believe that accessing this report is essential for my pursuit of justice and accountability. I kindly request that you provide me with a copy of the investigation report, including any findings, recommendations, and actions taken. If the report is not yet finalized, please inform me of the expected completion date.”
Sivili was chased, beaten, stripped naked, and humiliated publicly — a distressing ordeal captured and widely shared on social media.
Despite widespread condemnation from multiple political parties and civil society organizations, including the Liberia Council of Churches and the Alternative National Congress at the time, the response from the Weah administration was tepid. The Liberia National Police initially stated their inability to make arrests due to the absence of formal complainants from either side involved in the incident. However, following President George Weah’s directive dissociating from the CDC-COP and urging the arrest of those involved, the police announced the detention of seven individuals linked to the violence.
President Weah, in a statement at the time, emphasized the necessity of peaceful support for his government, stating, “You cannot support a man of peace by being violent.”
Though the Liberia National Police was slow to effect arrests, just a day after the President’s statement, which was also followed by statements from members of the international community including the United Nations, the U.S. Embassy, American, Swedish, and British Embassies, the Liberia National Police announced the arrest of seven people in regard to the violence. “Seven persons have been arrested by the Liberia National Police in connection to the street violence of July 26, 2022. Those arrested are Kendrick S. Pelenah, 30, Joshua S. Karr, 28, Pukar Roberts, 36, Ben B. Togba, 25, Foday N. Massaquoi, 23, Aaron K. Chea, 26, and Abdurahman Barrie,” the police disclosed in a press statement.
The police also announced that it had launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.
Those arrested by the police were arraigned before the court where they managed to secure bond.
Speaking to The Liberian Investigator, Sivili said he had been waiting patiently for the new administration to reopen his case. Unfortunately, he has not seen any sign of that happening, thereby prompting him to formally draw the attention of the Minister of Justice and the Independent Human Rights Commission to ensure that justice prevails.
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