By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Monrovia, Liberia – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing concern over what it describes as a steady decline in democratic norms and freedom of expression under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.
In a statement signed by its president, Julius Kanubah, the union warned that recent developments across the country point to a shrinking civic space and growing unease among citizens about their ability to speak freely without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
“Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent,” the statement noted, adding that journalists, students, activists, and ordinary Liberians are increasingly anxious about the state of free expression.
The PUL highlighted several incidents it believes illustrate a troubling pattern, including the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn for criminal contempt on the orders of the Supreme Court of Liberia, and the reported suppression of peaceful student protests at the University of Liberia on April 14, 2026.
The union also raised concerns over the expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah, which it described as extra-legal, as well as ongoing legislative efforts it says could undermine existing protections for press freedom.
Among these, the PUL cited what it called a “sinister effort” to weaken the Freedom of Information framework through proposed restrictions on government employees, and attempts within the House of Representatives to amend the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom to reintroduce criminal penalties for certain forms of speech.
According to the union, these actions risk reversing hard-won gains in Liberia’s democratic journey, including the repeal of criminal libel and sedition laws. It emphasized that freedom of expression is a constitutional right enshrined under Article 15 and should not be treated as a privilege.
The PUL further underscored the importance of respecting judicial authority, warning that any disregard for due process or court oversight could undermine public trust in the rule of law. It also condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, stressing that protest and dissent are essential components of democratic participation.
The statement comes at a time when many Liberians are facing economic hardship, with rising living costs and unemployment adding to public frustration. The PUL argued that restricting open dialogue in such conditions could deepen tensions rather than resolve them.
In its recommendations, the union called on the government to uphold freedom of expression, strengthen judicial independence, ensure adherence to due process, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters. It also urged lawmakers to avoid any rollback of legal protections for free speech.
“Liberia’s democratic journey has been shaped by struggle, sacrifice, and resilience,” the statement concluded. “These freedoms must not be eroded through expediency or intolerance. There can be no rescue without freedom.”
The PUL reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and supporting efforts to safeguard Liberia’s democratic institutions.
