MONROVIA, August, 26 (LINA) - Information Minister Lewis G. Brown is calling on Liberians to comply with government’s curfew regulations by staying away from streets and public gatherings during curfew hours.
He also cautioned Liberians against getting into conflict with the law when apprehended by security personnel during curfew hours.
He said to avoid the embarrassment of being arrested people must act appropriately and observe government’s curfew order and all other regulations during this trying period in the nation’s history.
According to the Liberia News Agency, the Information Minister made the appeal Tuesday at a special press conference held at the ministry.
Minister Brown said security forces will not relent to arrest anyone found in violation of government’s mandate, especially during this time of national emergency when the country is struggling to contain the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in history.
At the same time, Minister Brown has clarified that there is no order to beat or extort valuables from persons arrested for violating the curfew as is being perceived by many people in the country.
He, however, warned that security personnel are not responsible to escort home anyone violating the curfew order, as doing so will be a violation on the part of security officers.
He said government has decided to restrict movements during night hours as another measure to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola disease in the country.
He observed that restriction of movements will be made possible with the imposition of the curfew, and called on every Liberian to work towards ensuring that it is properly enforced.
Recently, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf declared a state of emergency as a measure to enhance the country’s fight against the deadly Ebola disease.
This was subsequently followed by the imposition of a curfew to restrict movements during night hours.
Health workers, security personnel and other technical staff of government were exempted from the curfew which is expected to be in force until further notice from government.
Journalists have now been added to the list of persons exempted after several consultations.
LINA WSG/TSS/PTK