By Amos Harris
Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of the civic and political advocacy group Solidarity for Trust and A New Day (STAND), has accused the Liberia National Police (LNP) of targeting him through politically motivated legal actions. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, January 19, 2026, Morlu described the charges that led to his recent court appearance as false and based on misleading information. He asserted that the police action is part of a broader pattern intended to intimidate outspoken civic and political voices across the country.
Morlu, who previously served as the Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), warned that Liberia’s democratic space is facing serious threats under the current Unity Party administration. He argued that the targeting of STAND and its leadership reflects a worrying trend of using state institutions to suppress dissent and silence critics. Under Morlu’s leadership, STAND has positioned itself as a national watchdog, consistently advocating for good governance, accountability, and social justice through public demonstrations and awareness campaigns.
The recent police intervention against Morlu stems from public statements he made, which authorities claim violated specific legal provisions. Morlu has vehemently rejected these accusations, insisting that his remarks were lawful and protected under the constitutional right to free speech. He characterized his court appearance as the result of a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and urged the government to address political disagreements through dialogue rather than legal confrontation.
Furthermore, Morlu called upon civil society organizations, the media, and international partners to monitor his case closely. He highlighted the potential dangers that unchecked law enforcement actions pose to Liberia’s democratic institutions, noting that public confidence in the police could be seriously undermined if such actions continue without scrutiny.
As of the time of this report, the Liberia National Police has not issued a formal response to Morlu’s allegations. Local observers note that the case raises significant concerns regarding the balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties, potentially setting a precedent for how dissent is handled under the current administration.
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