The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has announced its intention to collaborate with the Liberia Media Lawyers Network to press charges against individuals responsible for the recent assault, harassment, and intimidation of two journalists, Nyantee Togba of OK FM and Sylvester Choloplay of the Spoon Network.
The PUL made it clear that these attacks would not go unpunished. Describing the assaults as both violent and verbal, the Union highlighted the growing concerns over the safety of journalists in Liberia.
PUL President Julius Kanubah condemned the repeated assaults, asserting, “The repeated attacks against journalists working in real-time to gather information and hold political and private power accountable are repugnant.”
The first incident occurred on November 17, 2024, when loyalists of the Unity Party attacked journalist Nyantee Togba during a National Executive Committee meeting in Paynesville attended by President Joseph Boakai.
The second incident took place on December 9, 2024, when journalist Sylvester Choloplay was assaulted by a staff/security personnel of Representative Dixon Seboe at the Capitol Building. During the altercation, Choloplay’s recording device was seized temporarily. The incident occurred during a live-streamed interview in which Representative Seboe responded belligerently to Choloplay’s questions.
The PUL expressed disappointment in Representative Seboe’s behavior, calling it unprofessional and unbecoming of a public servant. “Rather than serving as a role model for good behavior, Representative Seboe allowed his frustrations to overpower his judgment, resulting in an unprofessional response to valid questions,” the PUL stated.
The Union emphasized that these incidents reflect an alarming trend of hostility towards journalists. “We are committed to ensuring that journalists’ rights are protected, and those violating such rights will not only be condemned but also held accountable before the law,” President Kanubah added.
In light of these assaults, the PUL reminded its members to uphold professionalism while prioritizing their safety without compromising the public’s information rights.
