The Leadership of the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL), the official body representing journalists accredited to cover the Liberian Legislature, has voiced deep concern over comments made by Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, which the group believes could jeopardize the safety of a journalist.
During the 30th Day Sitting of the Liberian Senate on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Senator Snowe publicly singled out Mr. George Cooper, a legislative reporter assigned by DN News Liberia. While deliberating on the Cybercrime Act of 2021, the Senator pointed directly at Cooper and referenced a video published by DN News that he claimed had been manipulated to distort his comments.
Though DN News later removed the video and issued a public apology in keeping with professional journalistic standards, Senator Snowe reignited the matter on the Senate floor. In a session broadcast live, the Senator not only named but also visually identified Mr. Cooper, actions which LEGISPOOL described as deeply troubling and potentially harmful.
According to LEGISPOOL, this move amounted to an unnecessary public rebuke of a journalist and a media institution that had already acknowledged and corrected its error. The organization warned that Senator Snowe’s remarks could provoke hostility against the reporter, particularly from supporters or sympathizers of the Senator who might interpret his words as a call for retaliation.
LEGISPOOL emphasized that journalists working within the Capitol Building operate under difficult conditions in their pursuit of transparency and public accountability. It stressed that no reporter should be subjected to intimidation, threats, or public shaming, especially from national leaders whose influence carries weight across society.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, LEGISPOOL called on all public officials, especially lawmakers, to exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements regarding members of the press. The group noted that words spoken in emotional or politically charged environments can have far-reaching consequences and may unintentionally incite harm.
In its statement, LEGISPOOL appealed to the Senate leadership and relevant authorities to ensure the protection and safety of Mr. George Cooper and all accredited journalists assigned to the Legislature. It warned that should any harm befall Mr. Cooper as a result of the Senator’s remarks, the organization would hold Senator Snowe fully accountable.
The body also called for increased national and international attention to the issue, highlighting that the safety of journalists is essential to upholding Liberia’s democracy and ensuring transparency within its institutions. LEGISPOOL reaffirmed its dedication to defending the rights of journalists and to promoting a media environment built on accountability, professionalism, and freedom of the press.
