The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is collaborating with the Liberia Media Lawyers Network to pursue legal action against individuals involved in the assault, harassment, intimidation, and molestation of two Liberian journalists.
According to a release, the PUL assures that the two separate but related violent attacks—both physical and verbal—against journalists Nyantee Togba of OK FM and Sylvester Choloplay of the Spoon Network (Radio & Online TV) will not go unpunished.
PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasizes that the recurring attacks on journalists, who work diligently to gather information and hold both political and private entities accountable, are unacceptable.
On November 17, 2024, journalist Nyantee Togba was assaulted by a group of Unity Party loyalists during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee in Paynesville, which was attended by the party’s political leader, President Joseph Boakai.
Similarly, on Monday, December 9, 2024, journalist Sylvester Choloplay was also attacked by a staff member or security personnel of Representative Dixon Seboe at the Capitol Building. During the incident, Choloplay’s recording device was temporarily confiscated.
This confrontation arose from Representative Seboe’s aggressive behavior during a live-streamed interview with journalist Choloplay, where he reacted negatively to legitimate questions.
The PUL expresses profound disappointment in Representative Seboe’s inappropriate conduct. Instead of serving as a positive role model, he allowed his frustrations to overtake him and responded inappropriately to valid inquiries from Choloplay.
The PUL regards the attacks on journalists Nyantee and Choloplay as part of a troubling trend of hostile behavior towards media personnel by certain individuals.
“We are committed to ensuring that journalists’ rights are protected. Those who violate these rights will not only be condemned but will also face accountability under the law,” states PUL President Kanubah.
In light of the increasing pattern of assaults on journalists, the PUL urges its members to maintain professionalism and to avoid situations that could jeopardize their safety, all while upholding the public’s right to information.
