Voice Of Liberia CEO Alleges Death Threats

Sekou Sheriff, the Chief Executive Officer of Voice of Liberia, took a significant step by sending formal letters to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) regarding alarming threats made against his life. This serious matter involves accusations against Margaret Krote, the Assistant Commissioner of the Large Tax Division, along with Kollie Zayzay, the head of IT, and several other staff members of the LRA. As a prominent media figure, Sheriff has been vocal about various issues affecting the public and governance in Liberia, which may have contributed to the hostile environment he now finds himself in. In his letters, Sheriff outlined the specific threats he has received and emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure his safety and the safety of his colleagues.  He called upon the PUL to advocate for the protection of journalists and media professionals, highlighting the crucial role that a free press plays in a democratic society. To the LRA, Sheriff has demanded a thorough investigation into the actions of Krote, Zayzay, and their associates, urging the institution to maintain a professional and safe working environment for all individuals, regardless of their position. He stressed that threats of violence undermine the rule of law and the integrity of public institutions. This incident seems to raise significant concerns about the safety of journalists in Liberia, a country that has made strides in press freedom but still faces challenges related to intimidation and harassment.  In the wake of this claim, the responses from both the PUL and LRA could be crucial in addressing these threats and ensuring that such behavior is condemned and not tolerated. As this situation unfolds, it is likely essential that the media community, civil society, and government institutions rally together to support Sheriff and uphold the principles of press freedom.  The actions taken in response to these letters could prompt the public to closely monitor and set a precedent for how threats against media professionals are handled in the future. Sekou Sheriff’s proactive approach in addressing these threats appears to be commendable, as it highlights the ongoing struggle for safety and integrity within the media landscape in Liberia. As the situation develops; the vitality for all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of journalists and uphold the values of freed expression and accountability seems to matter.