spot_imgspot_img
Monday, December 9, 2024

SWEDISH GOV’T BRIBES LIBERIAN SENATORS US$20K EACH TO LEGALIZE ABORTION IN LIBERIA?

Date:

MONROVIA – Sources close to the Liberian Senate have revealed to Smart News Liberia that the Swedish Government has allegedly dished out US$20,000 per Senator in order to have their votes in favor of a bill to legalize abortion in Liberia. Currently, the bill is under discussion in the Joint Committee room of the Senate, where its potential legalization is being deliberated. Liberia, a conservative society deeply rooted in religious beliefs, faces a significant decision on this matter.

The Swedish government, according to credible sources, has allegedly made money available and assured Senators additional payment if they complete the task – pass the bill to legalize abortion.

However, the debate on the bill was suspended before the Liberian legislature recessed until after the elections, which are scheduled for October 10. However, there have been reports indicating that President George Weah has recalled the national legislature to address the matter, which is the potential passage of the abortion bill.

Yesterday, US Congressman, Chris Smith in a statement said, “Based on credible allegations of bribery and influence peddling.” Adding, “I am respectfully and urgently requesting that both the Governments of Sweden and Liberia immediately investigate and determine whether or several Liberian Senators or Representatives received cash payments to influence or secure their votes in favor of pending legislation to legalize abortion-on-demand.”

Rep. Smith, Chairman of the Global Health and Global Human Rights Committee further stressed in the statement that “The Government of Sweden has aggressively pressured Liberia to enact sweeping new pro-abortion legislation but may have crossed the line and committed serious crimes if my sources are correct and developes filled with bribery money-allegedly up to US$20,000 per Senator-were conveyed.”

Smith has accused Sweden of allegedly bribing people in the legislature, the government and other places to ensure the passage of the bill.

Reacting to the allegation by Representative Smith,  the Government of Sweden though did not name Rep. Smith, disclosed it remains steadfast in supporting pro-choice activists and funding campaigns that advocate for the legalization of abortion in Liberia even though it “respects the views of religious leaders” who oppose abortion.

Swedish Ambassador to Liberia  Urban Sjöström, spoke to a local newspaper recently after members of Liberia’s Religious Council strongly criticized the Swedish Embassy in Liberia for funding campaigns that push for the legalization of abortion in Liberia.

The Council spoke as the Senate attempts to amend the Public Health Law to make abortion legal after coming under intense pressure from the Amplifying Rights Network, a coalition of ten civil society organizations, which is allegedly supported by the Swedish government and has been pushing and holding campaigns for the decriminalization of abortion.

“Yes, Sweden supports decriminalization of abortion, as recommended in WHO’s 2022 Abortion Care Guideline, which recommends the full decriminalization of abortion,” Sjöström said in response to an email from a local paper, Daily Observer seeking comments.

“Sweden recognizes that this is a complex issue in Liberia and in many countries and respects the views of the leaders of faith-based organizations in Liberia. But the ongoing process to revise Liberia’s public health law is a domestic endeavor that follows the integrity and independence of Liberia’s law-making process. Sweden applauds the initiative and supports CSO’s who stand behind the bill and will continue to support them in their important work.

It is not clear, how President Weah, a preacher man in a church, would want to recall the Legislature, to amongst other things pass the abortion bill. Eyes are on the Legislature on this.

smartnews
Smart News Liberia is an online news outlet and a product of Smart Media Group Inc. Our website, smartnewsliberia.com, covers a broad spectrum of news content. For inquiries or information, you can reach us at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or email us at smartnewsliberia@gmail.com or info@smartnewsliberia.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

DR. NYAN ISSUES URGENT HEALTH WARNING AS NPHIL ENHANCES SURVEILLANCE AGAINST VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the Director-General...

SUPREME COURT’S RULING IN KOFFA CASE CRITICIZED AS ‘VAGUE AND CONFLICT-FUELING’

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Renowned activist and Master of Law...

SUPREME COURT RULING LEAVES HOUSE DISPUTE UNRESOLVED

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The long-awaited ruling in the constitutional...

CENTAL BOSS SLAMS BOAKAI OVER NAMING OF LIS TRAINING CENTER AND ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ GOVERNANCE

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mr. Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director...

BOAKAI SIDESTEPS SPEAKER KOFFA: LOGICALITY OR PRECEDENT-SETTING BREACH?

President Joseph Boakai's decision to submit the 2025 draft...

A MILESTONE FOR LIBERIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

The launch of Liberia’s first doctoral programs at the...

BOAKAI’S MISPLACED AMBITIONS AS LIBERIA BLEEDS AND THE PRESIDENT COURTS GLOBAL VANITY

Eight months into his presidency, Joseph Boakai’s administration is...

COMMENTARY

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

LATEST NEWS

LIBERIA: WEAH’S GOV’T, EFFL LEADER CIC GONQUOI IN WAR OF WORDS

By Olando Testimony Zeongar MONROVIA – War of words has...

SENATOR AMARA KONNEH CRITIQUES PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Finance Minister under the Ellen...

DR. MONIBA CALLS FOR UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT AMIDST POLITICAL UNREST IN LIBERIA

MONROVIA - In a powerful statement issued on August...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link