By Grace Q. Bryant
Gbarpolu County Representative Luther Collins filed a formal complaint with the Independent National Commission on Human Rights against Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman.
In the letter, Rep. Collins accused Minister Tweh and Inspector General Coleman of ordering police officers to unlawfully deploy at the Capitol grounds and assault him without cause.
Rep. Collins detailed that the incident occurred while he was attempting to attend the 2025 Fiscal Year National Budget hearing as part of his legislative duties.
“On Monday, December 9, 2024, officers of the Liberian National Police (LNP), acting under the direct orders of these senior government officials, unlawfully deployed at the Capitol Building the seat of the Legislature and assaulted me for no reason,” Collins stated.
He added, “The incident happened in front of my BI-15 office on the First Floor of the building.”
According to the lawmaker, the assault left him with significant injuries, including wounds to his ribs, right hand, legs, and shoulders and so the bruises and scars from the beating remain visible to date.
“One of my office staff members, Mr. Eric Scott, who attempted to intervene, was also harmed during the altercation. Due to the severity of the incident, both Mr. Scott and I were admitted for treatment the same day at the Hope of Women Hospital on A.B. Tolbert Road in Paynesville,” Rep. Collins claimed.
Rep. Collins alleged that the police officers took his Longues Level Quartz watch, valued at $1,000 and his reading glasses during the ordeal.
Rep. Collins urged the Independent National Commission on Human Rights to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law.
