THE CENTER FOR Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has warned that Liberia’s progress toward a free and independent media environment remains fragile and at risk of reversal, warning of growing threats to journalists despite notable gains made in recent years, and calling for urgent action to safeguard press freedom in Liberia. CEMESP made the observation in a statement issued to mark World Press Freedom Day, celebrated globally on May 3, 2026, under the theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security”.
CEMESP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT Liberia has made important strides, particularly through the continued implementation of the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom, which decriminalized libel and strengthened legal protections for journalists, and was quick to acknowledge that the country continues to enjoy a relatively open media space, where diverse opinions are expressed and critical reporting is largely tolerated.
THE GROUP ALSO commended the Independent Information Commission of Liberia for what it described as its “splendid and consistent efforts” in promoting and popularizing the Freedom of Information (FOI) law across government institutions. According to CEMESP, the Commission’s outreach and enforcement activities have significantly improved awareness and compliance with the FOI framework, contributing to greater transparency in public administration.
HOWEVER, DESPITE THESE gains, CEMESP expressed deep concern over a series of press freedom violations recorded in 2025, describing them as indicative of a troubling pattern of intimidation and abuse against journalists.
THE ORGANIZATION CITED several cases, including the reported assault of journalist Moses Garzeawu of the BBC by officers of the Liberian National Police (LNP) while covering a sports match at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, the threat of arrest and intimidation faced by Daily Observer Newspaper Managing Editor Bai Best and Reporter David Yates from Deputy Inspector General of Police Simeon Frank for the publication of a news story concerning the death of Boulevard Palace Hotel Manager, Amwar Futloo; the kidnapping of Journalist Alex Yomie of Radio Lar in Nimba County by men believed to be from the Poro traditional society; the harassment of journalist Frank Sainworla of the Public Trust Media Group by some officers of the Monrovia City Police who took his phone and deleted photos he had taken when the police were harassing female street peddlers; the intimidation and harassment of journalists Eric opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye of Rivercess County by Associate Magistrate Debah Zuku of the Rivercess Magisterial Court, and the detention at Maryland Central Prison of journalist Edward Stemn by Associate Magistrate Nyemade Bedell for reporting a story that implicated the magistrate in allegations of bribery. It also highlighted incidents of harassment against journalists reporting on illegal mining and land disputes in counties such as Nimba and Grand Bassa.
CEMESP FURTHER RAISED alarm over reported attempts by the government to amend the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom, warning that any move to weaken the law would undermine Liberia’s democratic progress and erode protection of journalists.
IN ADDITION, THE organization criticized what it described as growing violations of the Freedom of Information law. It pointed specifically to a recent warning issued by the Director General of the Civil Service Agency mandating civil servants to sign non-disclosure agreements, an action CEMESP said contradicts the intent of the FOI Act and threatens transparency.
