“I Did Not Violate Police Barricade Neither Was I Trying To Enter The Staduim” – BBC Correspondent Who Was Assaulted By Police at SKD Speaks Out

Moses Garzeawu, a seasoned journalist and BBC Correspondent to Liberia, has spoken out following a disturbing encounter with officers of the Liberia National Police at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex.

According to Garzeawu, the events unfolded on Saturday, January 25, 2025, when he visited the SKD practice pitch for his usual weekend football exercise. His routine training coincided with the opening stages of the National County Sports Meet quarterfinals. By 10 a.m., he was done and heading home, dressed in his sportswear and carrying a red bag containing his football shoes and training gear.

On his way out, he received an “ALL ACCESS” media accreditation from Oxford Brown, Director of Communication at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. With that in hand, he exited through the main entrance, where vehicles were being ushered in and out. The officer stationed at the gate allowed him through without any issue.

Things took a different turn when he stopped to interact with a few young sports journalists who were struggling to gain entry. Out of nowhere, he felt a strong hit from behind. When he turned, he saw Officer Michael Toe yelling at him to step behind the line. He expressed that Toe could have simply instructed him rather than resorting to force. Even after identifying himself and showing his access pass, the officer remained aggressive.

The situation escalated when officer Toe struck him twice on the legs with a baton and attempted a third strike aimed at his head. Garzeawu managed to block it. A portion of the incident was captured on video, but he clarified that what circulated online did not reflect the full extent of what transpired.

Addressing what he called “doubts and prejudicial comments” on social media, Garzeawu laid out a few clarifications:

– He was not at the stadium to cover an event in his sportswear; he had just finished his morning exercise.

– He did not violate a police barricade but was granted passage by officers at the main entrance.

– He was not trying to enter the stadium, he was leaving the facility.

– The widely shared video captured only a portion of the encounter and did not show the entire episode.

While investigations into the matter continue, his statement serves to correct any misconceptions surrounding the incident.