Liberia Government Charges Former Union Leaders Over Violent SRC Protests
Key Figures Face Serious Charges After Margibi County Unrest
MARGIBI, Liberia – The Liberian government has initiated legal proceedings against former leaders of the Salala Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (SAWUL) following violent protests at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in June 2024.
Charges and Allegations
Former union President Mary P. Boimah and Secretary Lawrence Gorgbor, along with six others, face multiple charges including:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Theft of property
Root Causes of the Protests
The unrest began when rubber tappers protested unpaid wages and demanded improved:
- Working conditions
- Medical care
- Employee rights
Escalation and Damage
The peaceful demonstration turned violent when protesters:
- Stormed SRC headquarters
- Ransacked offices
- Burned the NASSCORP office
- Targeted the plantation manager’s property
Total damages exceeded $785,000, including:
- $275,210 in property damage
- $510,000 in lost revenue
Legal Proceedings
The Liberia National Police (LNP) arrested eight individuals, with charges later expanded by the Margibi County Grand Jury. Key developments include:
- Initial bond set at $550,420 (later revoked)
- Defendants rearrested in March 2025
- Government emphasizing public safety concerns
Defendant’s History
Mary Boimah has prior involvement in violent protests, including:
- 2019 Weala Town demonstrations
- Burning of police stations
- Destruction of court property
Broader Implications
The case has sparked national discussions about:
- Labor union responsibilities
- Workers’ rights advocacy
- Protest violence prevention
Legal experts emphasize the independence of judicial proceedings, while government sources confirm their commitment to pursuing justice in this high-profile case.
Credit: Original reporting by Yaway Jaivey. For complete details, visit the source article.