By Amos Harris
A tense and violent confrontation erupted early Thursday morning at Paynesville’s bustling Red Light Market, as heavily armed police officers attempted to enforce a controversial court order. The operation sparked chaos, fear, and widespread condemnation from residents and vendors who described the police action as “brutal and unnecessary.”
Eyewitnesses report that officers from the Liberia National Police (LNP), equipped with teargas, shields, and batons, stormed the market at dawn. Authorities later characterized the action as an enforcement exercise to remove alleged illegal occupants and traders from a disputed property.
Vendors, caught in the sudden operation, painted a scene of terror. “It was total confusion—people were running, crying, and gasping for air from the teargas,” said Abigail Johnson, a vendor who narrowly escaped. “The police came shouting, beating people, and scattering our goods. I thought I was going to die.”
The standoff began when officers attempted to evict vendors and business owners operating near a mosque and several commercial stalls, reportedly built on land central to a long-running property dispute.
The operation quickly spiraled out of control as several traders resisted the eviction. Some were accused of throwing stones and makeshift petrol bombs at the police. The confrontation swiftly turned the usually crowded Red Light Market into what witnesses described as a “war zone.”
“The police were using teargas and batons; people were retaliating. It was pure chaos,” commented Fatu Kamara, a local shop owner. “We understand the law, but this level of force was unnecessary.”
Local resident Daniel Doe strongly condemned the incident, stating the police acted “as if they were at war with the people.” He added, “This is not law enforcement—this is intimidation. The police should protect citizens, not terrorize them.”
While police officials insist the crackdown was a lawful enforcement of a court order involving private property, residents and rights advocates have sharply criticized the manner and timing of the operation, accusing the LNP of disproportionate use of force and insensitivity to public safety.
During Thursday’s regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) on November 13, 2025, Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah defended the police action, asserting that the LNP acted under a legally sanctioned court mandate.
“The government will not allow anyone to defy court orders or undermine the rule of law,” Minister Piah stated. “The property in question legally belongs to a private citizen, and the police acted within the bounds of the law to enforce that ruling.”
He also cautioned citizens against vigilantism and praised the police for their “swift response” in restoring calm. “The Boakai administration remains committed to maintaining peace, stability, and respect for the rule of law,” Piah stressed.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and human rights advocates are demanding accountability, arguing that while court order enforcement is necessary, the excessive use of force in civilian areas severely undermines public trust in law enforcement. Several community leaders have also called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers.
As night fell over Red Light on Thursday, the area remained tense, with a heavy police presence and many traders left counting their losses. The aftermath of the operation, for many in the Paynesville community, symbolizes a growing rift between law enforcement and the citizens they are mandated to protect.
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