The Campaign for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) has strongly condemned alleged brutalities carried out by officers of the Liberia National Police Anti-Robbery Unit against its Executive Director, Mr. Jonathan Yanzee.
It subsequently calls for swift action by the appropriate authorities in Liberia with notifications to relevant international organisations including UN, EU, US and ECOWAS.
A statement made available to Africa Prime News in Monrovia on Tuesday, the CHRD narrates-
“According to reports, during the late evening hours of Sunday, March 15, 2026, officers of the Liberia National Police Anti-Robbery Unit, operating a vehicle bearing plate number 309, allegedly brutalized, assaulted, and tortured Mr. Yanzee after he identified himself as a human rights defender at the scene of an alleged power theft raid in the Barnersville area.
“CHRD has been informed that at approximately 8-9pm PM, while the Anti-Robbery Unit was conducting an operation related to alleged electricity theft based on seeing a non LEC Personnel on a pole trying to solve high power and fire on the community pole, Mr. Yanzee—who was neither involved in the alleged activity nor a resident of the community—was standing at a distance on the main road observing the situation as a bystander. During the operation, officers ordered an individual who was on a Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) pole to come down, which he did.
“It is alleged that without provocation, one of the officers directed a flashlight into Mr. Yanzee’s face proceeded to punch him in the eye twice. When questioned why he was being assaulted, the officer demanded to know his identity. Mr. Yanzee calmly introduced himself as the Executive Director of CHRD and a human rights defender, which reportedly further angered the officer and led to his arrest.
“We have received allegation the attack was conducted base on intelligence from a non-police officer- Ñbā Dèstïñë Dêstïñe who was with them and notified them that a Human Rights Defender in person of our Executive Director is watching the situation and it had implications as he have seen Mr. Yanzee and colleagues at CHRD conducting human rights monitoring at police station and court in Barnersville and Garnersville Township.
“CHRD reports that Mr. Yanzee was repeatedly beaten by the officers, who allegedly warned that before he could advocate for others, they would “deal with him,” and accused human rights defenders of “spoiling the country.”
“The situation reportedly escalated when officers forcibly placed Mr. Yanzee into their vehicle, where the alleged assault continued. He was severely beaten until he began bleeding and coughing blood, while one officer reportedly threatened to have him killed.
“While torturing him, two officers of the Liberia National Police Anti-Robbery Unit charged Jonathan’s pockets and took away three hundred and sixty United States dollars ($360USD) which was intended for business.
“Another individual who was arrested alongside Mr. Yanzee was also allegedly beaten by the officers, who reportedly used electric pliers to assault him.
“Both Mr. Yanzee and the other detainee were later taken to the Liberia National Police Headquarters, where officers allegedly threaten and demanded US$30.00 from community members before they were eventually released, but the two officers who took away Jonathan’s $360 USD didn’t return the money to present.
“Mr. Yanzee has indicated that he remembers the names of some of the officers involved, including Alex, Solo, and Marcus, who were reportedly operating the Anti-Robbery Unit vehicle bearing plate number 309.
“CHRD as an institution that conducts human rights monitoring and reporting on the rule of law, security and justice wants to make it categorically clear that it is highly against the release of its Executive Director and the other detainee on alleged forcefully demand of 30$ without being investigated nor charged and in the strongest term condems such extortion by the police.
“CHRD emphasizes that this incident goes beyond the assault on its Executive Director and highlights a deeply troubling pattern of alleged police brutality, torture, and intimidation against citizens and human rights defenders in Liberia.
“No officer of the state has the legal authority to torture, assault, or threaten the lives of peaceful citizens, particularly those advocating for human rights and the rule of law.
“CHRD wishes to make it clear that this matter will not go unaddressed. The organization is formally filing complaints with the Professional Standard Division with notification to the:
1. Ministry of Justice of Liberia
2. The Independent National Commission on Human Rights
3. The United Nations Human Rights ( UN- OHCHR Liberia )
4. United States Embassy
5. The European Union in Liberia
6. ECOWAS
7. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defender
8. National Civil Society Council of Liberia
9. Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform
“CHRD calls on the relevant institutions to immediately launch a transparent and impartial investigation into this incident and ensure that all individuals found responsible are held fully accountable in accordance with the law.
“Justice must not only be served for Jonathan Yanzee, but also for every Liberian who has suffered abuse, torture, or intimidation at the hands of those entrusted with protecting them”,
Signed The Administration
Campaign for Human Rights and Developments (CHRD)
Benson Street, Monrovia, Liberia
Email: campaignforhumanright@gmail.com
Cell: +231-887-222-919
