By Precious D. Freeman
The Students Unification Party (SUP) is urging all human rights advocates, civil society coalitions, youth and student groups, and supporters of the War and Economic Crimes Court to unite and steadfastly support the Executive Director of the Office of War Crimes in ensuring the full establishment and effective operation of the court.
Addressing the press yesterday, SUP Chairperson Kwien Kwien, said that many of those who perpetrated atrocities during the war are still powerful in Liberia and have significant resources to challenge efforts that are concentrated on bringing them to book.
He added that as human rights defenders, they must realize that by playing to their tone, they risk the legitimacy to stand with their people and this apparent fallout will be a victory for warlords and their handlers.
The student advocates explained, “We’re calling on every Liberian who still believes that justice is possible, to stand up now and start massive awareness in their local communities on the need for war crimes court and the significant relief this court will bring to many Liberians.”
“As many of us are aware, the war took away over 200, 000 of our compatriots who were killed senselessly by devilish warlords who were stupidly motivated by naked opportunistic desperation, we should never allow the blood of these men and women spilled in vein. Justice must be served!! Now is the time for progressive compatriots to stand up and ensure that this court is made possible for justice crimes on the memories of our falling national heroes and sheroes.”
SUP recalled that on May 2, 2024, President Boakai issued Executive Order #131 establishing the office of War and Economic Crimes Court with the sole responsibility of pursuing and prosecuting reactionary elements who have been identified as having committed in Liberia acts amounting and constituting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This decision comes amidst many years of consistent struggles by the militants and cadres of the Students Unification Party and other rights groups in Liberia who have since demanded the prosecution of all those evil and devilish bandits believed to bear greater responsibility for the civil and economic atrocities committed in Liberia.
SUP being one of the most powerful voices in the fight for war and economic crimes court and one of those institutions that have held the highest number of rallies to both local and international institutions demanding the court’s establishment, officially welcomes Cllr. Massaquoi’s appointment to the office of executive director for war and economic crimes court.
“Having fully researched and vetted the credentials of Cllr Massaquoi, SUP has concluded that the lawyer meets the fullest standards and has both the moral and legal requirements to serve this body. Cllr. Massaquoi has a long history in criminal and human rights laws, legal ethics, and investigation all of which place him as a perfect pick to deliver on this task accordantly,” the campus-based group stated.
