The clamor for the protection of prominent Liberian journalist Frank Sainworla has reached a fever pitch, with media practitioners and concerned citizens rallying on social media to highlight the dire need for safety measures.
This follows a brutal attack on Sainworla by unidentified assailants in the early hours of yesterday at his residence, leaving him and his son with significant injuries.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but there are widespread suspicions that Sainworla’s fearless stance on contentious issues might have provoked the assault. One journalist urgently posted on social media: “Police are needed now at Mr. Frank B. Sainworla’s house. He and his son are currently under attack, leading to serious bodily injuries. Contact Mr. Sainworla on 0770755173.”
Journalist safety is a long-standing issue in Liberia and around the world. Recent posts by Sainworla have critiqued the controversial yellow machines saga, raising significant public concern.
On Monday, July 15, 2024, Sainworla shared a link to his critical article: Boakai’s Controversial Yellow Machines Deal—“A Gentleman’s Agreement”–That Breaks PPCC Law.
This piece has been at the center of heated discussions, suggesting that Sainworla’s investigative work might be stepping on powerful toes.
It remains uncertain whether the unknown attackers were acting on orders from higher authorities, but the timing and nature of the assault have stirred fears and anxieties within the media community.
It is profoundly troubling that a journalist of Sainworla’s stature, recently named Personality of the Month by this newspaper, is subjected to such violence, causing immense fear, emotional, and psychological distress.
Frank Sainworla, at 58, stands as one of Liberia’s most respected journalists. Since his debut as a freelance reporter for the *Daily Observer* in 1988, after graduating from the College of West Africa in 1985, Sainworla has dedicated his life to journalism.
He earned a BA in Mass Communication from the University of Liberia in 1994 and later acquired a Graduate Certificate from the University of Missouri as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow.
Sainworla’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the truth:
Beyond his reporting, Sainworla is an influential figure in academia, lecturing in Mass Communication at the University of Liberia, and he continues to make an impact as the Managing Editor and Senior Media Partner of the independent, award-winning Public Trust Media Group (PTMG). He also serves on the boards of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
The attack on Frank Sainworla is a stark reminder of the perils faced by journalists in their quest for truth. It underscores the urgent need for robust protection mechanisms to safeguard those who dare to speak truth to power.
The Liberian government, civil society, and international bodies must act decisively to ensure the safety of journalists, fostering an environment where they can work without fear of retribution.
Sainworla’s courage and dedication should be celebrated, not punished. The world is watching, and it is time to stand up for the defenders of truth.
