Full Text: during a mass citizen protest on July 17, organized by STAND to demand accountability and transparency from the government regarding the rule of law and other issues. A Facebook Blog-Rescue Liberia posted that Emmanuel M. Johnson, youth league chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), was arrested by the Liberia National Police (LNP) while in possession of a firearm.
The post attracted 233 reactions, 174 comments, and 34 shares.
Verification: TSM contacted Cecelia Clarke, LNP Spokesperson, who stated that the allegation regarding the CDC Youth Chairman's arrest is false. Clarke confirmed no arrest of Johnson occurred.
Johnson was contacted directly and provided a written response dated July 21, 2025, denying the allegations. Johnson described the claims as "outrageous and unfounded" and stated they were part of a disinformation campaign.
"As someone who has never been arrested or investigated for any wrongdoings. Johnson said, "I find these allegations not only baseless, but indicative of a desperate political strategy aimed at silencing dissent and manipulating public perceptions.
A review of mainstream media outlets, including FrontPage Africa, Spoon Network, and LBS, found no reports collaborating the alleged arrest. No video or photographic evidence has been provided to support the claim made by Rescue Liberia.
A publication by Local Voice Liberia and Dubawa found the information to be false and misleading.
Conclusion: The claim that CDC Youth League Chairman Emmanuel Johnson was arrested with a firearm is FALSE. No credible evidence or official confirmation supports this allegation. Police authorities have denied the claim.
