The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom, warning that the draft law could undermine freedom of expression and reverse key democratic gains in Liberia.
The union raised its concerns during a public hearing held Monday before a joint legislative committee in Monrovia, where lawmakers reviewed a proposed “Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act.”
PUL President Julius Kanubah said the amendment would weaken the protections established under the KAK Act, which decriminalized several offenses previously used to restrict press freedom.
“The Press Union of Liberia is deeply concerned that the proposed amendment would undermine the spirit and letter of the KAK Act, which repealed oppressive laws such as criminal libel against the President, sedition, and criminal malevolence,” Kanubah said.
According to Kanubah, the draft legislation not only contradicts the progress made in press freedom but also risks re-criminizing free speech and press freedom.
“The draft legislation not only contradicts the progress made but also risks re-criminalizing free speech and press freedom.”
The proposed legislation, titled the “Protection from Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act of 2026,” seeks to criminalize the use of insulting, obscene, or harassing language on social media platforms, internet forums, or other electronic communications.
Under the draft bill, individuals found guilty could face prison sentences of up to two years, fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 Liberian dollars, or both, depending on the court’s ruling.
Kanubah acknowledged the growing concerns about abusive language online but argued that criminal penalties were excessive and could be misused by public officials to silence criticism.
“While the PUL does not condone personal insults or abusive language, criminalizing such conduct is a disproportionate and dangerous response,” he said.
The PUL also argued that existing laws already provide remedies for disorderly conduct and abusive language, pointing specifically to Section 17.3 of Liberia’s Penal Law of 1978.
Instead of amending the KAK Act, the union urged lawmakers to rely on provisions already being discussed in the draft Cybercrime Act currently before the legislature.
“We appeal respectfully to the Joint Committee on Judiciary, Information, Broadcasting, Cultural and Tourism, and the entire House of Representatives: do not amend the KAK Act of Press Freedom,” Kanubah said.
“To do so would set a dangerous precedent and risk sending people to jail simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”
The PUL’s position has received backing from several legal and human rights figures, including Kwame Clement, founding president and dean of the Liberia School of Law, and Ralph Nyuma of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (Liberia).
The proposed legislation was introduced by Nyahn Flomo, a lawmaker representing Nimba County District 2 in the House of Representatives of Liberia. The bill aims to address rising concerns over online harassment and abuse on social media.
However, some lawmakers have also expressed reservations about the measure. Representative Sumo Mulbah warned against passing legislation that could weaken press freedom or contradict Liberia’s commitments under international human rights agreements, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Press Union of Liberia called on lawmakers to protect the KAK Act, describing freedom of speech and a free press as fundamental pillars of democracy and good governance in the country.
