Monrovia, Liberia – In a disturbing attack on press freedom, journalist Austin M. Kawah, the lead host of Freedom FM’s popular program “FREEDOM HARD TALK,” witnessed his car being set ablaze while he was live on air. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 PM outside the Freedom FM compound on Carey Street, where Kawah’s car was parked due to limited space inside the facility.
Kawah recounted the chilling moment: “My producer rushed into the studio asking me to take a break. When I stepped out, I saw my car on fire.” The perpetrators reportedly used a petrol bomb to ignite the vehicle before fleeing on a motorcycle. Despite multiple attempts to reach law enforcement, the Liberia National Police has yet to issue an official statement.
Freedom FM, often labeled as anti-government by supporters of President Joseph Boakai, has faced growing scrutiny for its critical stance against the administration. Following the attack, Abu M. Sherif, a Freedom FM employee, accused the government of orchestrating the act.
“Government-sponsored thugs attacked our station and set Kawah’s vehicle ablaze. Our lives are at risk for simply asking hard questions,” Sherif stated in a social media post.
This incident comes amidst a surge in violence and intimidation against Liberian journalists. In recent weeks, media professionals, including Nyantee Togba of OK FM, Sylvester Choloplay of the Spoon Network, and Blamo Toe of The Liberian Investigator, have been victims of physical assaults by state security personnel and government officials while on duty.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly condemned these attacks, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for violence against members of the press. “Journalists are critical to democracy, and we will not stand by while their rights are trampled,” the PUL declared in a recent statement.
Kawah’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Liberia, where threats and violence against the press are becoming alarmingly frequent.
The attack on his vehicle, coupled with the recent assault on journalist Blamo Toe during the “White Tuesday” protest, highlights a troubling pattern of hostility towards media professionals.
The rising tensions have generated calls for urgent action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens are urging the government to conduct thorough investigations into these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.
