‘Attacks, Intimidation, Fear Rising’-CEMESP Alarms, Laments Press Freedom Threats

MONROVIA – As Liberia approaches World Press Freedom Day, growing concerns over journalist safety and institutional accountability have resurfaced, with the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding warning that recent violations threaten to reverse hard-won gains. While the country continues to benefit from legal reforms such as the decriminalization of libel, enforcement gaps and rising incidents of intimidation are casting doubt on the durability of those protections. The tension highlights a broader governance challenge—whether legal commitments can translate into lived realities for journalists operating across the country. With democratic credibility increasingly tied to transparency and access to information, the state now faces renewed pressure to uphold press freedom in practice as THE ANALYST reports.

Liberia’s media landscape, long regarded as one of the more open in the region, is facing renewed scrutiny as the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP-Liberia) sounds a strong warning over what it describes as growing threats to press freedom, even as the country prepares to observe World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026.

In a detailed statement marking the global observance, CEMESP acknowledged that Liberia has made notable progress in strengthening legal protections for journalists, particularly through the enactment and continued implementation of the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom—a landmark law that decriminalized libel and expanded protections for media practitioners.

Yet, despite these advancements, the organization warned that the country’s progress remains fragile, pointing to a series of incidents in 2025 that collectively suggest a troubling pattern of intimidation, harassment, and abuse against journalists.

PROGRESS UNDER PRESSURE

CEMESP’s assessment reflects a dual reality. On one hand, Liberia continues to enjoy a relatively open media environment, where diverse viewpoints are expressed and critical reporting is largely tolerated.

On the other, the gap between legal protections and practical enforcement is becoming increasingly visible.

The organization commended the Independent Information Commission (IIC) for what it described as “splendid and consistent efforts” in promoting the Freedom of Information (FOI) law, noting that awareness and compliance have improved across government institutions.

However, this progress, CEMESP cautioned, is being undermined by persistent violations that expose journalists—particularly those operating outside Monrovia—to heightened risk.

A PATTERN OF VIOLATIONS

The statement catalogued a series of incidents that have raised alarm within media and human rights circles.

Among them is the reported assault of journalist Moses Garzeawu of the BBC by officers of the Liberia National Police while covering a sports event at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Stadium in Monrovia.

Also cited were threats and intimidation directed at Daily Observer Managing Editor Bai Best and reporter David Yates by a senior police official following the publication of a news report concerning the death of Boulevard Palace Hotel Manager Amwar Futloo.

In Nimba County, journalist Alex Yomie of Radio Lar was reportedly kidnapped by individuals believed to be associated with the Poro traditional society—an incident that underscores the vulnerability of reporters operating in rural and traditional settings.

Further cases include the harassment of journalist Frank Sainworla by officers of the Monrovia City Police, who allegedly confiscated his phone and deleted images documenting the harassment of street vendors.

In Rivercess County, journalists Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye reportedly faced intimidation from a magistrate following their reporting, while in Maryland County, journalist Edward Stemn was detained at the central prison after publishing a story implicating a judicial officer in alleged bribery.

Collectively, these incidents paint a picture of a media environment where legal protections exist—but enforcement remains inconsistent.

“These incidents, particularly outside Monrovia, point to the continued vulnerability of journalists and the persistence of impunity,” CEMESP stated.

LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS AND POLICY RISKS

Beyond individual cases, CEMESP raised concerns over broader policy developments that could undermine press freedom.

The organization specifically warned against reported attempts to amend the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom, cautioning that any rollback of the law’s provisions would erode democratic gains and weaken protections for journalists.

Equally concerning, according to the group, are reported violations of the Freedom of Information law.

CEMESP pointed to a directive from the Civil Service Agency requiring civil servants to sign non-disclosure agreements—a move the organization argues contradicts the intent of the FOI Act and threatens transparency in public administration.

Such measures, if left unchecked, could create a chilling effect on information flow, limiting the ability of journalists to access data and hold institutions accountable.

A CALL FOR ACTION

At the center of CEMESP’s message is a call for concrete action—moving beyond legal frameworks to ensure real protection for journalists.

Executive Director Malcolm W. Joseph emphasized that Liberia must demonstrate its commitment to press freedom not only through laws, but through enforcement.

“Liberia must move beyond legal commitments and ensure real protections for journalists,” he stated.

Joseph further warned that attempts to weaken the Press Freedom Act or restrict access to information send troubling signals about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“A government that is serious about transparency must strengthen, and not undermine, the institutions and laws that guarantee access to information,” he added.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REFORM

CEMESP outlined several key actions it believes are necessary to safeguard press freedom in Liberia.

These include halting any regressive amendments to the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act, investigating and prosecuting all reported attacks against journalists, and fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act.

The organization also called for enhanced protection mechanisms for journalists, particularly those operating in rural areas where institutional oversight is weaker.

In addition, it urged the government to provide training for security personnel on media rights—aimed at reducing instances of harassment and abuse.

PRESS FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY

As Liberia joins the global community in marking World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” the stakes are clear.

For CEMESP, press freedom is not an isolated issue—it is foundational to democratic governance.

“Without a safe and vibrant media, democracy is weakened and public trust eroded,” the organization warned.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Liberia’s progress in media freedom has been hard-won, built on years of reform, advocacy, and institutional development.

But as recent events suggest, those gains are not guaranteed.

The challenge now is not simply to maintain legal protections, but to ensure that they are reflected in everyday practice—across institutions, regions, and levels of authority.

For journalists, the issue is immediate and personal: the ability to report freely, safely, and without fear of reprisal.

For the state, it is strategic: the credibility of Liberia’s democratic system depends, in no small part, on its willingness to protect those who hold it accountable.