The interplay between lawful assembly and lawlessness is often a contentious topic, particularly in societies that have experienced political unrest and social upheaval.
In Liberia, the Constitution (Artice 17) guarantees the right to peaceful assembly as a fundamental freedom for expressing collective sentiments for the nation’s common good.
However, this right is frequently misappropriated by a minority of individuals who indulge in hooliganism and vandalism, undermining the premise of peaceful assembly.
The notion of equating unlawful behavior, such as acts of vandalism and hooliganism, with constitutional rights fosters a culturally toxic environment where respect for the rule of law dwindles.
This monograph argues that hooliganism and vandalism can not and should not be construed as peaceful assembly under the Liberian Constitution.
The Coveted Right of Peaceful Assembly:
The right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democratic societies, promoting civic engagement and collective expression for societal change.
The Liberian Constitution recognizes this right, understanding that individuals must gather and express their discontent or advocate for a better nation.
This guarantee is rooted in the belief that citizens ought to have a platform where their voices are heard, contributing to the progression of a functioning democracy.
However, this right is intended to serve just causes, ensuring that public sentiments are genuinely expressible while remaining within the bounds of legality and ethical standards.
Peaceful assembly means that citizens can gather to engage in discussions, protests, or movements without resorting to violence or destruction of property.
For instance, gatherings criticizing the government or advocating for socio-economic issues are legitimate expressions of free speech.
However, when assembly devolves into gratuitous violence resulting in vandalism and the destruction of property, the original intent of engaging in meaningful dialogue is lost.
Hooliganism not only contravenes constitutional protections but also inhibits the voices of those who wish to participate peacefully.
Distinguishing Peaceful Assembly From Lawlessness:
The crux of the argument against conflating hooliganism and vandalism with peaceful assembly lies in recognizing the fundamental differences between lawful protests and criminal actions.
Hooliganism typically involves unruly and disruptive behavior that often leads to violence.
Similarly, vandalism is intentionally destroying or damaging property, whether personal belongings, government structures, or public institutions with communal significance.
These acts not only violate the law but also cause societal harm.
The consequences of such actions are dire.
When young individuals engage in vandalism, they harm their immediate environment, creating a ripple effect that undermines community trust and stability.
The memories of a nation like Liberia that has experienced civil conflict, economic turmoil, and social division should serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law.
The actions of a few can easily overshadow the collective aspirations and efforts of many.
Thus, distinguishing peaceful assembly from lawlessness is crucial for fostering a healthy civic culture that promotes engagement through constructive dialogue rather than destruction.
The Rule of Law and Civic Responsibility:
A significant aspect of the social contract is the understanding that citizens must comply with their nation’s laws in exchange for certain freedoms granted to them.
The rule of law is a cornerstone of national governance and societal order
It ensures that individuals are treated equally under the law and that justice is administered fairly.
In Liberia, where past conflicts have scarred its social fabric, adherence to the rule of law becomes even more critical.
A dangerous precedent is set when hooliganism and vandalism are accepted or overlooked as mere expressions of assembly.
Society begins to lose faith in its legal institutions and governance, believing that lawlessness can prevail without consequence.
This erosion of respect not only harms the credibility of law enforcement but also poses a threat to those who genuinely seek to voice their concerns through established legal channels.
For instance, when protesters vandalize government buildings or engage in violent riots, they not only obstruct the engagement of others but also paint a broad brush on the credibility of all demonstrators.
Genuine issues of national concern overshadowed by destructive behavior risk the alienation of potential allies, those who might otherwise stand in solidarity for a common cause.
The Legacy of the Past Generations:
The youth of Liberia today face a significant challenge as they navigate a society burdened by the shadows of its past.
The tumultuous history of Liberia in the 1970s and 80s showcased a generation that fought for nationalist causes, often culminating in violence not caused by them.
However, the intent behind their actions was typically driven by a sense of justice, societal improvement, and national pride, not self-destruction.
Today’s youth must recognize the invaluable lessons learned from past generations.
Hooliganism and vandalism squander the hard-fought freedoms many people sacrificed their lives for, as evidenced by the 14 years of untold suffering of lawlessness that took the lives of over (200) two hundred thousand Liberians and millions if not billions of properties destroyed.
As Liberia continues its recovery and aims for renewed growth and stability, the youth must be leaders of peaceful assembly and constructive dialogue rather than chaos and destruction as self-reclaimed foot soldiers of so-called corrupt and nationalist unpatriotic politicians whose only aims are to loot the nation and steal your future.
By fostering a culture that celebrates peaceful protests instead of embracing violence, young activists can play an instrumental role in moving Liberia forward.
The Vicious Cycle of Vandalism and Hooliganism:
The cycle of vandalism and hooliganism creates a challenging environment that perpetually robs a nation of progress.
Each encounter with violence and destruction fuels a narrative of instability, instigating fear among citizens and reinforcing the belief that the government can not guarantee the safety of its people or their properties.
This instability disincentivizes investments, discourages community engagement, and weakens public confidence in institutions that protect rights and freedoms.
When destructive behavior is trivialized as a peaceful assembly, it legitimizes an attitude of defiance against public order, leading to continuous cycles of unrest.
Communities must rally against these notions to cultivate a shared understanding of how nationalism and civic duty can promote peaceful cohabitation.
By discouraging hooliganism, the creative energies of the youth can be redirected towards constructive pursuits such as community service, advocacy for policy change, and collaborative discussions on improving Liberia’s socio-economic landscape.
Let me warn you that hooliganism and vandalism should never be construed as peaceful assembly under the Liberian Constitution.
While the right to assemble and express discontent is paramount in a democratic society, it is equally vital to delineate the boundaries between constructive dialogue and chaos.
The Liberian people have the responsibility to uphold the principles of the Constitution, ensuring that their actions reflect values of respect for law, community, and peace.
Understanding and embracing the profound lessons from Liberia’s past can help shape a brighter future where peaceful assembly is valuably distinguished from acts of violence and anarchy.
The citizens should collectively reject hooliganism and vandalism to ensure the nation is not burdened by self-destruction but empowered by collective growth and understanding.
As critical stakeholders in Liberia’s future, the youth must advocate for change, not through destruction, but through engagement anchored in respect for the rule of law.
Ultimately, the path to a brighter future rests not in the ashes of vandalism but in the solidarity forged through peaceful assembly, a true reflection of democratic ideals envisioned within the Liberian Constitution.
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