Lawyers Launch Network to Defend Journalists, Media Outlets -Ready to Fight Suits Aimed At ‘Bankrupting’ Media & Free Speech

While Liberia has made progress in the global human freedom ecosystem, evidenced by signing up to the famous Table Mountain Declaration and demolishing the infamous Degree 88-A which had criminalized free speech, a group of Liberian lawyers are not seemed satisfied by that progress.

In an apparent bid to move a step forward, they have formed and launched a Lawyers Network, believing that “while the decriminalization of speech is a victory, we must remain vigilant”.

Speaking at the launch of the network, law associate professor and an architect of the group, insisted that government officials who are often uncomfortable with scrutiny and usually seek ways to suppress the truth need to be kept under the radar with utter vigilance.

“They may no longer use the blunt tool of criminal prosecution, but they have resorted to defamation suits and threats aimed at bankrupting journalists and media houses, thereby chilling free expression,” Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe said referring to the officials, adding that

the ability of the press to report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal is essential to democracy, mainly Liberia’s fledgling democracy.

“But today, journalists around the world face similar challenges,” he noted. “Media reports are replete with reports the negative actions against journalists all around the world…In Liberia, we must remain vigilant against these tactics.”

Gongloe said despite the advances made with the Kamara A. Kamara Act, too many officials still wield their influence to punish journalists who uncover uncomfortable truths.

“A story exposing corruption or abuse of power should not lead to ruinous financial damages; it should lead to a more transparent government and stronger institutions,” he noted. “It is essential that we defend the rights of journalists and ensure that the legal system is not misused as a weapon to silence them.

“This includes advocating for the responsible use of libel and defamation laws, which should not be wielded as tools to stifle reporting but as genuine avenues for seeking redress in cases of demonstrable harm.”

In this regard, the Liberian law professor said, “we must continue to push for laws and practices that safeguard freedom of expression while promoting responsible journalism,” as he put it, “the promotion of freedom of expression is better for peace, progress and prosperity and the promotion of silence.”

He recalled that many years ago, he made a promise that his “Gongloe and Associates” law office was available to provide free legal services for journalists, media institutions and citizen journalists.

“I hereby, on this occasion re-affirm that promise,” Gongloe declared.

“More than that given, that there is now a lawyer’s network, almost all of the members being are my former students, I am willing at all times to guide them in the effort to defend journalists, media institutions and citizen journalists.”

Concluding his launch statement, he said: “Defending journalists and media outlets is not just about protecting individuals; it is about safeguarding the public’s right to know. We must all stand together to ensure that journalists can continue to report without fear, because a free press is the cornerstone of democracy.”