Funeral Interrupted:

Funeral Interrupted:

Grieving Family Accuses City Police

By Jamesetta D. Williams/AFRIK MEDIA

Amid rising political tension in Monrovia, City Police on Wednesday, July 16, stopped a funeral vehicle near the University of Liberia (UL) campus on Capitol Hill.

The City Police reportedly ordered a casket bearing the corpse to be opened, mistakenly believing it could be used as ‘a protest prop.’

The move sparked outrage from the grieving family, who accused officers of ‘gross disrespect and emotional harm.’

The incident unfolded as security forces were on high alert during the, “Enough is Enough’ protest.

A crowd had gathered around the vehicle when City Police demanded that it be opened for inspection.

Despite the family’s immediate presentation of the death certificate, officers insisted on verifying the contents of the doctor’s signed death certificate.

“This is our sister,” said a distressed Patrick Teton, one of the family members. “We just picked up her body from the hospital (not named), and were on our way for burial preparations.

The police embarrassed us and disrespected our sister’s memory.”

According to the police, the decision to stop and open the casket was based on concerns that it could be used as a protest tool, referencing a past incident during the 2023 CDC campaign where a “symbolic casket” was carried shoulder high during political demonstrations.

“We are not taking any chances,” one officer stated: “Protesters have used all sorts of objects to make statements. We had to be sure.”

With media and bystanders looking on, the police ordered the casket to be brought down and opened. The remains of the woman were clearly visible inside.

The family said the public nature of the inspection was traumatic and inhumane. Several of them were seen in tears, demanding accountability for a “violation of funeral ethics and basic human decency.”

“We are still in shock,” said another family member. “To open a casket like that in front of everyone cameras, strangers, police, it is something we’ll never forget.”

Despite the backlash, the City Police remains unapologetic.

“We were doing our job,” said a police spokesperson. “It was not about disrespect. It was about preventing any possible unrest or protest tactics. We regret that it had to happen this way, but it was necessary under the circumstances.”

The scene added to the already heightened tensions in Monrovia as citizens continue to express frustration with governance and economic hardship.

Yesterday’s incident triggered debate on social media, with many criticizing the police for excessive force, and lack of cultural sensitivity during periods of grief.

Others were also on the side of the police for during their assigned duty.