PUL Warns of Free Speech Erosion in Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has raised alarm over what it describes as a gradual erosion of free speech and democratic gains under the leadership of Liberian President Joseph Boakai.

The Press Union referenced a series of recent unfoldings in the country which it says violate Article 15 of the Liberian 1986 Constitution.

Article 15 of the Constitution guarantees comprehensive freedom of expression, encompassing speech, press, academic freedom, and access to information, while holding individuals responsible for abuse.

Speaking on Friday, April 23, at the Union's Head Office in Monrovia, PUL President Julius Kanubah criticized the imprisonment of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, widely known as Prophet Key for contempt of court.

Yeazehn was sentenced on February 13, 2026, to six months in prison for verbally attacking Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui-Gbeisay and members of the full bench of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

Yeazehn had lashed the Chief Justice and members of the court for alleged corruption, but was rendered guilty by court, for it described as usage of profanity in his criticisms.

However, PUL President Julius Kanubah, said the court action indicates a clampdown on critical voices and reminded the Boakia-led government of Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution.

In addition, Kanubah highlighted the alleged brutality against members of the Student Unification Party of the University University during a protest in Monrovia.

Footage captured online revealed that a few students were arrested during the April 14 protest, when the student group took the streets of Monrovia to demand "job and justice" from the government.

Police authorities clarified that students arrested during the protest were involved in reported misconduct.

Meanwhile, Julius Kanubah described the move by state security as suppression to freedom of expression. He said the incident sent a strong message about agitating against the government.

According to him, these incidents portray a troubling environment especially for democratic progress in Liberia. 

“Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent. Today, many Liberians are increasingly anxious about whether they can speak freely without fear of intimidation, arrest, or reprisal".

“Taken together, these developments point to a worrying departure from democratic practice. They risk reversing hard-won gains in press freedom. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, not a privilege", he asserted.

Further speaking, the Press Union President frowned at a proposal before the House of Representatives calling for the amendment of the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Press Freedom Act.

The proposal seeks to include provisions that would criminalize speech or posts that bully gender, online, especially against women and girls.

According to Kanubah, the attempt to amend the Karama A. Karama Act, threatens press freedom. He said why it is unethical to bully gender, journalists must maintain their freedom to post and share their works on the internet. 

He emphasized that these accounts coupled with the controversial removal of former Speaker Fonati Koffa from his position, and the expulsion of Montserrado County District #10 Lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah, set a worrying precedent under the Unity Party government.

Kolubah was recently expelled through votes members of the House of Representatives for claiming that the disputed boundary along the Sorlumba Border region in Foya, Lofa County, belong to Guinean, amid border tensions between Liberia and Guinea.

On the other hand, Former Speaker Koffa was removed from his position, on allegations of conflicts of interest and poor leadership.

The PUL emphasized that due process was not accorded in both cases, which it says risks reversing the country's democratic progress under the current administration.

"When actions are taken outside due process, public confidence in the rule of law is undermined.”

The Union stated that legal issues must be addressed through the proper legal channel. It also raised concern over what it calls disrespect for the rule of law by some government officials and institutions, stating that the rule of law is the pillar on which democracy thrives.

The Union warned that the recent unfoldings are creating uncertainty among journalists, students, activists, and ordinary citizens to speak out freely.

The Press Union urged President Joseph Boakia to ensure his administration upholds democratic principles, including respect for rights, the rule of law, and judicial independence.

PUL President Kanubah at the same time reaffirmed the union commitment to advocating for freedom of expression, improved democracy and journalists' rights in Liberia.

The Press Union of Liberia is the mother body of journalists and media institutions in Liberia.