By Raine Tarka Golegio :
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights in Liberia has condemned the recent attack on the opposition, Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) Chairman Alexander Cummings and Montserrado County District # 10 Rep. Yekeh Kolubah by some citizens of Grand Gedeh County.
The attackers are believed to be loyalists of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) headed by ex-soccer player, George M. Weah who were against the visit.
The Chairman of the Collaborating Political Parties Mr. Alexander B. Cummings and District # 10 Montserrado County Rep. Kekeh Kolubah and member of the CPP had paid a visit to southeastern Liberia to sensitize the public on electoral matters ahead of the special senatorial elections to be held in the fifteen political sub-divisions in Liberia, come December 08, 2020.
A statement by INCHR on Wednesday in Monrovia revealed that the violent action by the citizens threatened the lives of Mr. Cummings and Hon. Kolubah thereby violating their human, civil and political rights on free movements in keeping with article 13 (a) of the Liberian Constitution.
Article 13 (a) of the Liberian Constitution states “Every person lawfully within the Republic shall have the right to move freely throughout Liberia, to reside in any part thereof and to leave therefrom subject however to the safegauard of public safety, public order, public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others.”
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights therefore stressed the need for appropriate independent investigation and public findings into the situation.
It cautioned opposition and ruling political parties to refrain from comments which have the tendency to undermine the peace and stability towards the December 08, special senatorial elections in the country.
INCHR also cautioned aggrieved political parties to revert to the rule of law for redress and to address any and all grievances or disputes.
Meanwhile, the CPP has accused the government of Liberia of being the master-minder of the attack which was aimed at stopping their political movements as the government failed to condemn the violence.
