As Journalists around the world commemorate this year World Press Freedom Day, Press Union of Liberia President Charles Coffey has alarmed over alleged bullying of the Liberian media by the Coalition for Democratic Change led-government.
Addressing Journalists at the Union’s headquarters Sunday, May 3,2020, Mr. Coffy accused solicitor General Syrenius Cephus and Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs Eugene Fahngon of issuing threats and assault against journalists.
The PUL President stated while Cllr. Cephus and Deputy Minister Fahngon are using threats and other derogatory comments against the media, a presidential investigative committee set up to probe the brutality against journalists in recent times is yet to be concluded with two resignations thus undermining the credibility of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the PUL President called on journalists across the country not to abide by the new directive as declared by Deputy Minister Fahngon, adding that, such move to reissue passes to media personnel is only intended to deny critical voices in the country.
On the issue of solicitor General Cephus threat to shut-down and confiscate equipment of media that indulges in fake news, Mr. Coffey maintains that the PUL will challenge the illegal closure of any media institution in a competent court of jurisdiction.
World press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 each by media practitioners and free speech activists. It was first declared by United Nations on May 3′ 1993.
Recently, Deputy information Minister Eugene Fargon announced that the ministry is issuing a kind of access pass to media practitioners contrary to statement by the joint security that journalists will have to only identify themselves with a valid working ID cards.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Cyrenius Cepheus last week issued a warning threatening to shutdown any media institution giving “fake news” during the state of emergency period.
