Koung has although displayed his diplomatic passport, the witness described the reported encounter as “embarrassing, and uncomfortable.” The account also mentioned Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor S. Kwagrue, and another unidentified individual as being connected to the incident.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has rejected reports that he, and members of a Liberian delegation were subjected to unusual, or heightened security screening at Brussels Airport in Belgium.
Koung described the circulating accounts as “inaccurate, and erroneous.”
He addressed the controversy following reports published by local outlets, including King’s FM 88.5, concerning his recent movement through the Belgian airport.
The reports, based on information attributed to sources in Belgium, alleged that Koung was questioned, and subjected to heightened security procedures while passing through Brussels Airport.
One purported eyewitness, a Liberian citizen claiming residency in the United States, told King’s FM 88.5’s morning program, “Let’s Talk About It,” that he witnessed the reported incident while traveling back to the United States. The King’s program is hosted by Israel Boye-Weah Sieh.
According to the eyewitness account, airport security personnel reportedly asked Koung to lift his shirt during the screening process.
Koung has although displayed his diplomatic passport, the witness described the reported encounter as “embarrassing, and uncomfortable.”
The account also reportedly mentioned Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor S. Kwagrue, and another unidentified individual as being connected to the incident.
However, Koung has now directly disputed the central claim concerning the nature of the security screening.
As to the controversy, he compared his latest trip to a 2024 journey during which, he traveled on a friend’s private jet at no cost.
He said, the trip also generated public discussion despite the circumstances surrounding his travel.
“This trip, I chose to use the regular route that everyone uses to pick up a few things for my daughter from the duty-free stores, and again, there are discussions.”
On the specific of the allegation concerning the removal of his clothes during the screening, Koung was emphatic in his response: “No shoes, no jacket was removed, that’s big black lies.”
His response with the remark: “Again, this is the effect of the package,” without providing further details on what he meant by the statement.
The competing accounts have intensified public discussions on social media, with Koung’s denial now standing against the earlier eyewitness allegation.
As of publication late last night, the accounts remain disputed, and no independent statement from Brussels Airport, or Belgian authorities has been cited in connection with the reported incident.
The conflicting narratives meanwhile, leave questions about precisely what security procedures were conducted, and under what circumstances?
The controversy also highlights the scrutiny surrounding the movements of senior government officials abroad, particularly when reports of unusual treatment at international airports emerged without immediate official confirmation.
For now, VP Koung’s public response represents the clearest official account from his side: that he used the regular commercial route, and that claims suggesting he was required to remove his shoes, or over coat during the screening are not accurate.
