Human Rights Defenders Elect New Leadership Team
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
September 20, 2002
MONROVIA, Wednesday, September 18, 2002: The Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (comprising nineteen human rights and pro-democracy groups) has elected a new corps of interim leadership. Those elected at a well attended general meeting today include Atty. T. Dempster Brown Chairman, Mr. Thomas A. Bureh vice chair, Mr. J. Aloysius Toe Secretary, Mr. Abib Zack Treasurer, and Mr. R. Jarwlee Tweh Geebgee Chaplain.
The Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders was organized and launched on December 10, 2001 to champion, protect and defend the rights of all human rights defenders in Liberia including journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, women and children’s groups, labor unionists, trade unionists, teachers, among others.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders expresses grave concern over the prolonged detention (without charge) of journalist Hassan Bility and others and calls on government to ensure that the rule of law in Liberia is respected. The Coalition further calls on government to accord the detainees speedy trial (as guaranteed by the Liberian Constitution) or release them from further detention.
Signed:
Atty. T. Dempster Brown
Chairman