By: George Cooper
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the erosion of democratic progress and freedom of expression in Liberia, warning that recent developments are creating fear among citizens. In a strongly worded statement, PUL President Julius Kanubah said the right to free speech is increasingly under pressure.
“There can be no rescue without freedom,” Kanubah declared, stressing that freedom of expression is a fundamental constitutional right. He added, “Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent,” noting that journalists, students, activists, and ordinary citizens are now anxious about speaking freely without fear of intimidation or arrest.
“The freedoms enjoyed today were not easily won,” it said. “They must not be eroded through expediency or intolerance… There can be no rescue without freedom.”
The PUL outlined a number of actions it finds troubling, including the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, also known as Prophet Key, and the violent suppression of peaceful protesters, including students of the University of Liberia on April 14, 2026. The union also cited the expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah and ongoing efforts to weaken the Freedom of Information framework and amend press freedom laws.
“These developments point to a worrying departure from democratic practice and risk reversing hard-won gains in press freedom,” the statement said. It warned that “freedom of expression is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn at will,” but a right guaranteed under Article 15 of the Constitution.
The union further emphasized the importance of the rule of law and judicial independence, stating that “the judiciary must remain the final arbiter of disputes, and its authority must be respected at all times.” It cautioned that any disregard for due process could undermine public confidence and weaken national institutions.
The PUL also condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters, saying, “Citizens must be able to organize, protest, and express grievances without fear. These are not acts of defiance—they are expressions of democratic participation.” It warned that silencing voices will only deepen frustration at a time when many Liberians are facing economic hardship.
The union is now calling on the government to uphold freedom of expression, respect the judiciary, ensure due process, and end intimidation against dissenting voices. “Silencing voices does not resolve challenges; it deepens frustration and erodes trust between citizens and the state,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its position, the PUL concluded that Liberia’s democratic gains must be protected. “The freedoms enjoyed today were not easily won,” it said. “They must not be eroded through expediency or intolerance… There can be no rescue without freedom.”
