By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Human rights advocate, Counselor Tiawan Saye Gongloe (TSG), has condemned House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon for threatening to arrest journalists. Gongloe, a former solicitor-general, described the Koon’s threat as a “blatant abuse of power, and a violation of the constitution and press freedom laws.”
He said, Koon’s threat directly contravenes Article 15(c) of the constitution, and the 2018, Kamara A. Kamara Act, which abolished criminal libel and strengthened protections for free speech.
Cllr. Gongloe said such conduct mirrors country’s history of repression against journalists and activists.
“The threat amounts to an attack on the country democratic foundations.”
Gongloe said Koon’s subsequent apology is “insufficient to repair the damage.”
He argued that the Speaker must go beyond words and make a firm, public commitment to respect press freedom, uphold constitutional guarantees, and demonstrate behavior befitting the high office he occupies.
He warned that threats against journalists create a dangerous precedent; undermine media independence and leaving the country democratic institutions vulnerable to intimidation.
Gongloe called for strict enforcement of existing laws protecting journalists, and for civil society to remain vigilant in holding public officials accountable.
He said, the apology does nothing to repair the damage inflicted by Koon’s actions.
“Concrete actions, not words, are required to restore confidence in government’s commitment to protecting press freedom.”
He also urged Liberians, and advocacy groups, to demand stronger adherence to democratic principles, insisting that Koon’s behavior cannot be ignored if press freedom and constitutional governance are to be preserved.
Gongloe believes that without decisive accountability, Koon’s threats could embolden other officials to harass journalists, effectively eroding the country hard-won protections for free expression.