Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean Jr. has ordered the release of opposition politician Menikpakei Dumoe who was arrested on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 after a search of his home – which was sanctioned by the courts – for making comments deemed threatening to national security.
Earlier this week, he posted on his Facebook page that poor people in Monrovia needed “Ak47s so that the government can take us seriously”. Minister Dean said an investigation by the Joint Security Forces, which includes the examination of materials from Dumoe’s home, is continuing.
He said the government remains committed to protecting the fundamental rights of everyone, even as it grapples with an unprecedented health crisis and urges all to refrain from making incendiary remarks which could undermine the hard-earned peace.
Liberia currently faces an existential threat that should claim the attention of all of us. Attempting to score political points when our compatriots die is unpatriotic.
Feedback by some of DNT’s readers expressed concerns about the AK-47 remark by the opposition leader deeming it an unwelcomed echo of Liberia’s long civil conflict that claimed many lives. Mark Brunky wrote: “Oh oh – not again, Liberia,” and Mar Chumba called the opposition leader’s comment “tasteless.”
