On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, Richard Nagbe Koon, issued a stern warning to journalists, threatening punitive action, including possible imprisonment, against any reporter found recording discussions before the official start of session. The remarks, which resonated across the chamber, have triggered renewed alarm over the state of press freedom and transparency within Liberia’s premier democratic institution.
According to journalists assigned to the Capitol, Speaker Koon’s caution came at a moment when lawmakers were engaged in informal discussions about past House matters. Reporters say the Speaker appeared visibly irritated when he noticed that several journalists were preparing their devices ahead of the formal session. His warning, delivered in uncompromising language, underscored that the Legislature would “deal with” any journalist caught recording conversations outside the boundaries of official proceedings.
The threat immediately unsettled members of the press corps, many of whom interpreted the Speaker’s declaration as a direct challenge to the media’s Constitutional responsibility to ensure public accountability. Several reporters noted that the line between formal and informal legislative interaction is often blurred, making the Speaker’s prohibition not only unrealistic but potentially harmful to press freedom in Liberia’s still-developing democratic environment.
The incident raises serious questions about the Legislature’s commitment to transparency. As a public institution funded by taxpayers, the Legislature owes citizens a clear and open view of its operation. Decisions affecting national governance are often shaped long before lawmakers enter the chamber for formal session. Many observers argue that Speaker Koon’s stance signals a worrying shift toward secrecy at a time when citizens are demanding greater openness from their elected officials.
Journalists also reported that lawmakers were discussing unresolved issues from previous sessions when the caution was issued. Although the content of those conversations remains unclear, members of the press believe the Speaker’s reaction reflects growing discomfort among lawmakers with being observed during politically sensitive discussions. This posture, they contend, conflicts with Liberia’s commitments to democratic participation and responsible governance.
The suggestion that journalists could face jail time for performing routine newsgathering duties sets a dangerous precedent. Liberia is still emerging from a history of state interference in the media, and even the hint of criminalizing journalistic work undermines the safety, confidence, and independence of reporters covering public institutions. Media advocates warn that such threats could embolden officials across government to adopt similarly hostile stances, normalizing intimidation as a tool to silence scrutiny.
The Speaker’s remarks also carry significant political implications. Liberia’s standing in global press freedom rankings has fluctuated over the years, often reflecting how senior public officials interact with the media. A confrontational approach at the Legislature, one of the country’s most consequential arenas for national decision-making, risks further harming Liberia’s international reputation and discouraging investment linked to governance performance and institutional integrity.
The threat has renewed calls for the development of clearer guidelines governing media access at the Capitol. Journalists argue that solutions should not be grounded in threats or punitive measures but in constructive dialogue between the Legislature and the press corps. Clear, consistent, and transparent policies, they say, would benefit both sides and preserve the public’s fundamental right to know.
Speaker Koon’s remarks also overlook the central role that informal legislative conversations often play in shaping political outcomes. These behind-the-scenes discussions are where alliances are forged, positions are negotiated, and decisions are influenced long before the gavel drops. Restricting journalists from observing this environment deprives citizens of vital insight into how power is exercised and how public decisions evolve. The duty of the press extends far beyond recording official statements; it includes documenting the broader political dynamics that shape the nation’s governance.