The Ministry of National Defense through the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is holding AFL Officer Cpl. Sieh Collins liable for allegedly threatening through his Facebook account to kill protesters here on 7 June.
In a press release issued in Monrovia Tuesday, 16 April, the Defense Ministry says Officer Collins is liable for contravening the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92, Failure to Obey Order or Regulations and General Article 134, Threat Communication.
The post from Cpl. Collins’ alleged Facebook account reads: “I will never regret killing anybody on the street of Monrovia to keep my country safe. Remembering our children are in school and Liberia is safe, trust me, I will kill you with happiness.”
Officer Collins’ alleged Facebook post comes at a time some Liberians are planning to stage a protest on 7 June over the nation’s poor economic conditions, doubts over government’s controversial mop-up exercise using millions of US dollars, mob violence and demands for action against some presidential appointees, among others.
While the planned June 7 protest is being announced here, another group of Liberians are said to be planning a counter protest due on the same day, prompting concerns here about possible violence.
Officer Collins’ alleged threat to kill protesters could further explain why some members of the public get panic and raise concerns over security issues whenever they hear of plans by individuals to protest or stage counter-protests.
Meanwhile the Ministry of National Defense reiterates that the Armed Forces of Liberia will continue to exhibit good morals and professionalism in the execution of its national obligations.
The Ministry stresses that the AFL will not compromise acts that may undermine the image of the military as a “Force for Good.”
It explains that through the AFL, it has completed the investigation of Cpl. Sieh Collins for allegedly posting threatening statement from his Facebook profile against individuals planning to protest on June 7, 2019 in Monrovia.
According to the Ministry, the investigation report held Cpl. Collins liable for contravening Uniform Code of Military Justice.
He has therefore been subjected to the Disciplinary Board of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
At the same time, the Ministry of National Defense cautions personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia to use social media with prudence and avoid acts that will cast aspersion on the image of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Ministry of National Defense.
In concluding, the Ministry says it will update the general public on subsequent proceedings.–Press release
