Monrovia – A police officer assigned to the Government Safety Service (EPS) is being accused of firing reside rounds throughout a civil eviction operation on the residence of Charles Massaley, Government Director for Procurement on the Nationwide Port Authority (NPA), injuring a pet and damaging a car.
By Jaheim T. Tumu – [email protected]
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning within the Mount Barclay Group when law enforcement officials reportedly accompanied courtroom sheriffs to implement an eviction order. In accordance with Massaley, an EPS-assigned officer discharged an AK-47 rifle from roughly 17 yards away, with bullets hitting his automotive and touchdown close to his ft.
“I used to be simply attempting to carry my canine after I heard the AK-47 go off,” Massaley mentioned. “Earlier than I might look, my automotive was hit and the bullet landed simply beneath my ft. Why? I nonetheless don’t perceive. That bullet might have killed somebody.”
Massaley linked the eviction to a land dispute with a person recognized as John Youbouty, who he claims obtained a Supreme Court docket ruling in his favor. Massaley mentioned neither he nor different affected residents had been a part of the authorized proceedings and had been by no means served courtroom papers.
“I by no means acquired a courtroom order. My identify just isn’t even within the judgment papers. But my property was marked, and even my fence was introduced down,” he mentioned.
Eyewitnesses alleged that a number of EPS officers concerned within the operation had been staying in inns reportedly paid for by Youbouty, elevating considerations about impartiality and the position of legislation enforcement in civil property disputes.
In accordance with Massaley, a courtroom keep order had been issued the day earlier than and was offered to the officers upon their arrival, however the eviction proceeded.
“The sheriffs had been already inside. The police adopted, then the banging began. I attempted to maintain my canines calm. That’s when the gun went off,” he mentioned. “Nobody right here attacked the officers. The canines didn’t chew anybody. We’re not criminals.”
Massaley mentioned residents have tried peaceable dialogue, together with outreach to the Youbouty household, however the matter escalated with out warning.
“We aren’t chickens, we’re not pigs,” he mentioned. “We’re Liberians. We purchased our land, developed our properties. Why can’t we be handled with primary dignity?”
He famous this was not the primary occasion of eviction exercise within the space, citing previous demolition makes an attempt over boundary and deed disputes. Nevertheless, he expressed alarm at what he described as extreme use of pressure.
“That is my third encounter with them. The final time, we sat beneath a tree, ingesting water collectively whereas they had been busting my fence. However this time, they despatched a brand new officer. Possibly he was inexperienced. However why ship a person like that right into a civilian house with a loaded AK?” he mentioned.
Massaley confirmed he has filed a criticism with the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) and is making ready to take authorized motion. He additionally said that he has submitted video footage of the alleged taking pictures incident.
“This isn’t how a democracy ought to function. We weren’t armed. We complied with the legislation. Why is the police firing pictures at civilians?” he mentioned.
Massaley mentioned the incident has prompted misery amongst residents and questioned the security of civilians in such operations.
“The legal guidelines ought to shield all of us. At present, it was my automotive and my canine. Tomorrow, it might be somebody’s life,” he mentioned. “This isn’t nearly land. It’s about justice. It’s about accountability.”
The incident comes because the Boakai administration continues to advertise its ARREST Agenda, which incorporates commitments to human rights, justice sector reform, and safety sector accountability.
As of press time, Liberia Nationwide Police spokesperson Cecelia Clark didn’t reply to a number of textual content messages requesting remark.
