The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly condemned what it terms as maltreatment and unjust interrogation of two journalists of the Daily Observer Newspaper by the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The PUL said it is particularly troubled by the conduct of Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Services, Simeon Frank, and his team of investigators for subjecting journalists Bai Best and David Yates to harassment, intimidation, and wrongful detention in the discharge of their reportorial duties
“It is both unprofessional and unacceptable for Commissioner Frank and his team to label journalist David Yates as a “person of interest” and a “suspect” in the mysterious death of Anwar Futloo, General Manager of Boulevard Palace Hotel. Such labeling undermines the integrity of journalism and raises serious concerns about the sanctity of press freedom”, statement from union said.
The PUL emphasizes that the characterization of journalists based on their reporting constitutes an infringement on the right to free expression, contrary to the Constitution of Liberia, the Kamara A. Kamara Act of Press Freedom, and the Table Mountain Declaration.
The journalists’ union called on the authorities of the Justice Ministry and Liberia National Police to immediately cease what it terms as the ongoing intimidation and coercion being perpetrated by Commissioner Frank and his team. “Their actions reflect a troubling continuation of oppressive practices that violate the rights of journalists and endanger press freedom in Liberia”, said the union.
The PUL demands that Commissioner Simeon Frank issues a formal apology to the journalists and Daily Observer without delay, as his actions represent a grave setback to the freedom of the press to operate without fear of intimidation or harassment.
