STAND Defends Senator Snowe’s Right to Free Speech -Accuses Boakai-Koung Administration of Silencing Dissent

By: George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – The political pressure group STAND–WE THE PEOPLE has issued a sharp rebuke of what it describes as the growing authoritarianism of the Boakai-Koung administration, defending Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe’s recent criticisms of the government as a “protected expression of democratic truth.”

In a strongly worded press statement released Wednesday, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. described the government’s response to Senator Snowe’s remarks as “state-sponsored intimidation” and part of a broader attempt to suppress free speech, dissent, and political accountability in Liberia.

The controversy stems from Senator Snowe’s outspoken comments on governance issues under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, which STAND says have been met with coordinated harassment and propaganda.

“This constitutionally protected political speech, once embraced by Boakai in opposition, is now treated as treasonous by his own regime,” the group noted.

STAND argues that the Boakai government, once a vocal critic of authoritarian tendencies under former President George Weah, has now become what it once opposed, silencing critics and turning against the principles of democratic governance.

In a particularly scathing portion of the release, STAND accused Vice President Jeremiah Koung of leading efforts to suppress dissent, suggesting he is taking advantage of President Boakai’s “declining mental health” to orchestrate an alleged campaign of oppression.

The statement also linked the attacks on Senator Snowe to what it called a growing pattern of intimidation against independent voices, including prominent Talk-show host Stanton Witherspoon and even STAND’s own leadership.

“These are not isolated attacks,” STAND warned. “They mark the dangerous emergence of tyranny that demands urgent intervention.”

STAND further warned that the Liberian people are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s actions, pointing to what it calls corruption, economic hardship, and attacks on civil liberties.

“Enough is enough. On July 17, the People will rise unstoppable against repression,” the statement declared, signaling plans for a national resistance campaign.

The release concluded with a bold call for civic resistance and public engagement, insisting that “the time to rise is now” to defend Liberia’s fragile democracy from what it views as a slide into authoritarian rule.

“We stand. We speak. We resist,” Morlu affirmed on behalf of STAND.

As tensions rise, the government has yet to formally respond to STAND’s allegations or to Senator Snowe’s criticism. Political observers anticipate that the coming weeks may define the trajectory of Liberia’s democratic stability.