War Crimes Advocate, 5 Others Arrested

Police in Monrovia has confirmed the arrest of the ring leader for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, known as Liberians United for Justice and Accountability (LUJA), Mr. Emmanuel Savice and five others following the petition ceremony at the Capitol Building yesterday in Monrovia.
However, Police spokesperson, Moses Carter said that the arrest was not done by the LNP but instead the Executive Protection Service (EPS) for allegedly attempting to intrude into the Presidential convoy. Yesterday, supporters of the War and Economic Crimes Court, with placards seeking for justice gathered at the Capitol Building at which time they presented their petition reinstating their calls for the establishing of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
The petition was received by the Deputy House Speaker, Price Moyee in the presence of Senator Darius Dillon, Representatives Rostelyn Suakoko Dennis and Moses Acarus Gray of Montserrado County.
According to information following the presentation of the petition, the group then decided to proceed to the Executive Mansion to make similar presentation to the President. It is said that while in the process, they were stopped from proceeding further.
It was then the leader of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Savice decided to enquire why they were not allowed to proceed further. According to some members of the group, it was during that time he was allegedly manhandled by the EPS officers and turned over to the police.
When police spokesperson, Moses Carter was questioned on the issue that Mr. Savice was allegedly manhandled, he said he was not aware whether or not he was manhandled.
Our reporter who visited the LNP headquarters was informed of the arrest of Mr. Savice, and also gathered that efforts were being made by Mr. Savice’s lawyer for their release from further detention.
Meanwhile, explaining the incident on the social media, Mr. Savice said, “Thanks to every one of you that are standing for ‘JUSTICE’; at the moment, I’m still being detained at the LNP headquarters and also beaten mercilessly by the EPS officers and turned over for charges.”
Mr. Savice indicated, “The beating included putting a blanket around my face and stepped on my side and ears. While being kicked by many of the EPS officers, some Representatives from the House, my lawyer and a UN representative sought my release to go to hospital for medical attention.”
He then alleged, “My wallet containing the amount of US$1,800 was stolen from me, and my phone was also taken away, all as the result of the fight for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court” in Liberia.
In Its version, the Executive Mansion yesterday, in a press release said, “several persons have been arrested by the Liberian National Police for breach of security at the Foreign Ministry office of President George M. Weah. The group, led by one Emmanuel Savice, broke through the perimeter set by the Executive Protection Service (EPS) and blocked the entrance with a vehicle.
“Savice and his followers, who had earlier gone to the Capitol Building in order to petition lawmakers for the establishment of a war crime court, used their vehicle to block the exit route of the Presidential convoy. They grossly disregarded instructions by security forces to remove the blockade.
“Some members of the group, including Savice, were subsequently arrested by LNP officers – who had done all in their powers to ensure the protection of their rights to gather and petition their government.
“The police authorities have acknowledged having Savice and companions in their custody and announced that they will be duly charged and forwarded to court.
“The government reiterates that it will do all within its power to ensure that the constitutional rights of all Liberians to free assembly and association but that the exercise of such rights must be done in a civil manner in keeping with law.”