"Journalist Rights Should Be Accorded Them"; MaYJA Seeks Justice For Journalist Lloyd.

Harbel, Margibi: The Margibi Young Journalists Association (MaYJA) has strongly condemned the violent assault on its member, Emmanuel T. Lloyd, who was attacked while carrying out his journalistic duties on Saturday, April 6, 2025, in Charlesville, Margibi County.

During a press conference on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, MaYJA Vice President Emmanuel M. Kangar stated that the incident occurred amidst a public confrontation involving staff members of Margibi District #2 Representative Ivar Jones and Robert Francis Okai, a vocal critic of the representative. Mr. Lloyd was present at the scene to document the altercation as part of his professional responsibilities when individuals believed to be affiliated with Representative Ivar Jones launched an attack on him.

According to reports, the attackers forcibly seized Mr. Lloyd’s mobile phones, erasing all journalistic materials, including photographs and videos that he had captured of the incident. This act of aggression is being described by MaYJA as a blatant violation of press freedom and a direct assault on the safety and integrity of journalists in Liberia.

In the wake of the attack, MaYJA has voiced serious concerns about the alarming repercussions this incident could have on the press freedom guaranteed under the Liberian Constitution and international law. The association is calling on Representative Ivar Jones to publicly distance himself from the actions of his supporters and take immediate steps to investigate the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

MaYJA also issued a call for urgent intervention from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and other media advocacy groups to ensure justice is served and that such acts of violence against journalists do not go unpunished. The association has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its members and ensuring their safety, especially during their work to inform the public.

Vice President Kangar further emphasized that no journalist should ever face violence or intimidation while performing their duty. He has urged the relevant authorities, including the Liberia National Police, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

In addition, MaYJA has encouraged its members to report any instances of harassment or disrespect, urging them to continue standing firm in their commitment to journalistic integrity. The association stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of journalists and ensuring that they can perform their work without fear of retaliation.