The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued one of its strongest rebukes of the government.
The Union warned that the country is witnessing a troubling rollback of democratic gains, particularly in the area of “free speech and civic participation.”
At a news conference in Monrovia, PUL President Julius Kanubah said, the country’s democratic credentials are being tested, not by consensus, but by how dissent is handled under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
“Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent.”
Kanubah, by that, painted a grim picture of a growing climate of fear among journalists, students, activists and ordinary citizens.
He said, an increasing number of Liberians have questioned whether they can freely express their views without facing intimidation, arrest, or retaliation; a concern he said, strikes at the heart of democratic future.
On mounting concerns over government actions, PUL outlined a series of recent developments it believes collectively signal a dangerous contraction of civic space and disregard for due process.
Among the issues cited was the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, which the Union suggested raises “constitutional and procedural concerns.”
The continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, on orders of the Supreme Court for criminal contempt, was also flagged as a matter that required a careful legal scrutiny.
Equally troubling, the Union said, was the violent suppression of student-led protests at the University of Liberia on April 14, 2026, an incident that has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups.
The PUL further criticized the “extra-legal” expulsion of Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah by members of the House of Representatives following his outspoken comments on a border dispute between Liberia and Guinea.
Legislative and policy backsliding, beyond individual incidents, the Union warned of broader structural threats to press freedom and transparency.
It pointed to ongoing efforts to weaken the Freedom of Information Act through restrictive non-disclosure agreements for government employees; a move critic say, could undermine access to public information.
Even more alarming, according to the PUL, are discussions within the legislature to amend the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom in ways that could reintroduce criminal penalties for speech under the guise of combating online abuse.
Such moves, the Union argued, risk reversing hard-won reforms, including the repeal of criminal libel, sedition, and malevolence laws that were once used to silence journalists and critics.
Rule of Law and Judicial Integrity Under Pressure
Kanubah spoken of the freedom of expression, which he said, is not a
privilege granted by the state, but a constitutional right enshrined in Article 15 of the constitution.
He warned that actions perceived to bypass legal procedures or judicial oversight erode public confidence in governance.
“The judiciary must remain the final arbiter of disputes, and its authority must be respected at all times.”
Kanubah cautioned that any disregard for court processes sets a dangerous precedent.
PUL also condemned an increasing reliance on force to disperse peaceful assemblies.
It argued that citizens must be allowed to protest, and express grievances without fear, especially amid rising economic hardship, unemployment and uncertainty.
“Silencing voices does not resolve challenges; it deepens frustration and erodes trust between citizens and the state.”
Calls for Immediate Action
PUL meanwhile, called on the government to, uphold and protect freedom of expression in both principle and practice, respect and strengthen judicial independence;
ensure strict adherence to due process, and the rule of law; end the use of force or intimidation against peaceful protesters; refrain from reintroducing criminal penalties for speech: “No Rescue without Freedom.”
The statement ends with a pointed critique of the administration’s “Rescue” agenda. It argued that governance devoid of fundamental freedoms cannot succeed.
“Liberia’s democratic journey has been shaped by struggle and sacrifice. These freedoms were not easily won, and they must not be eroded through expediency or intolerance,” Kanubah asserted.
PUL then pledged to continue defending press freedom and promoting accountability.