The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom, warning that the draft “Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act” poses a serious threat to free speech and democratic gains in the country.
At a public hearing on Monday, PUL President Julius Kanubah cautioned lawmakers that altering the KAK Act — which repealed laws such as criminal libel against the President, sedition, and criminal malevolence — would amount to a reversal of Liberia’s progress in protecting press freedom.
“The Press Union of Liberia is deeply concerned that the proposed amendment would undermine the spirit and letter of the KAK Act. The draft legislation risks re-criminalizing free speech and press freedom,” Kanubah said.
Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of using insulting, obscene, or harassing language on social media or other electronic platforms could face up to two years in prison, fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 Liberian dollars, or both. The PUL argues that such penalties are excessive, noting that existing civil remedies under Section 17.3 of the Penal Law of 1978 already address disorderly conduct and abusive language.
Kanubah stressed that while the Union does not condone abusive speech, criminalizing online expression would give public officials undue power to silence critics. He urged lawmakers to reject the amendment, pointing out that online harassment issues are already covered in the draft Cybercrime Act currently before the legislature.
The PUL’s stance has drawn support from prominent figures, including Kwame Clement, founding president and dean of the Liberia School of Law, and Ralph Nyuma of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights. Clement, a respected journalist and legal scholar, warned that the amendment could have a chilling effect on free expression.
The draft bill was introduced by Representative Nyahn Flomo of Nimba County, District 2, who argued it was necessary to curb misuse of social media.
However, Representative Sumo Mulbah, a member of the House Joint Committee, voiced strong opposition, citing Liberia’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations conventions.
The Press Union of Liberia has called on the House of Representatives to uphold the KAK Act and safeguard free speech, describing press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and good governance.
