Students want classes now

2004-03-25 12:17

Monrovia - Police broke up a demonstration in Monrovia Wednesday during which students rioted over delays in reopening the state university, closed since early 2003.

Eyewitnesses said three students were injured while two others were arrested when demonstrators attempted to access the justice ministry to express their grievances.

Police director Clarence Massaquoi has however denied breaking up the protest or arresting the students, saying the demonstration was "peaceful".

Student Paul Bordoe said the riot started when a meeting convened by the students to hear government reasons for the continued closure of the university turned sour, with transitional Chairman Gyude Bryant reportedly raining insults at the students.

"I did not bring a bag of money to share," student Bordoe quoted Bryant as saying.

The angry students are reported to have stopped Bryant's convoy from leaving the university campus until he gave them a date for the reopening of the University of Liberia.

The university has remained closed since early 2003 due to lack of funds, despite Bryant giving the university administration $150 000, upon taking over as transitional chairman, to facilitate its reopening.

The university has nonetheless remained closed as the current administration $1m for renovations. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA