The Media Alert Report documents attacks, threats, ethical violation of journalists and lawsuits impacting journalism landscape in Liberia from January 1, 2022 – Present. This activity is a flagship program of the Press Union of Liberia since 2015.

Introduction:
From January to the present date, 2023 has been marked by a series of disturbing incidents involving journalists in Liberia, including physical attacks, threats, and lawsuits. These incidents have raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
Methodology:

The methodology calls for the collection analysis of local dailies, monitoring of some radio stations (news and talk shows) and the receipt of direct complaints.

Verification:
Cases of threats and attacks are verified by on the troubled spots assessments, conduct of remote/virtual interviews with independent sources in areas where journalists and media workers are reported to have been threatened or attacked and civil society actors are mainly contacted. At the same time, the Press Union of Liberia’s Media Alert Office also contact PUL Coordinators in the fifteen (15) political subdivision of the country, as part of its tracking process.

Attacks on Journalists:

1. Joseph Tumbey (New Democrat Newspaper) – On August 8, 2023, Joseph Tumbey, a journalist with the New Democrat Newspaper, was brutally attacked by a Sierra Leonean soldier in Monrovia. The assault occurred while Tumbey was covering the arrest proceedings of the former Sierra Leone Police chief, who was accused of conspiracy within Sierra Leone’s borders. A widely circulated video on social media showed Tumbey enduring physical assault and damage to his phone during the attack.

The Press Union of Liberia condemned the attack on Journalist Tumbey and called on the Sierra Leonean Army to investigate and punish anyone found guilty.

2. Diamond N. Slanger (Spoon Communication Network) – Journalist Diamond Slanger of Spoon Communication Network was assaulted on the premises of Love Valley Academy on an assignment related to voter registration. Mr. Thomas Bryant, a supervisor at the registration site, physically attacked and assaulted Slanger, despite him identifying himself as a journalist with the necessary press credentials. The National Elections Commission investigated the incident, and dismissed Mr. Bryant’s, the NEC temporary staff.
3. Winston Blyden (Bana FM) – On June 6, 2023, journalist Winston Blyden of Bana FM was severely beaten on the orders of Montserrado District #17 Representative Hassan Kiazolu by his bodyguards. The attack was allegedly in retaliation for comments made about the Representative and Joseph Boakai on Blyden’s show. During the assault, Blyden’s belongings were stolen. The PUL issued a statement condemning the attack and as well urging the Unity Party Lawmaker to act in manners that will protect journalists. The Journalists Union also called for a police investigation to establish the veracity of the matter.

Meanwhile, Representative Hassan Kiazolu denied the accusation and vowed to issue writ against the Press Union of Liberia.

4. James Myking Suah (PUL County Coordinator) – On March 27, 2023, James Myking Suah, a PUL County Coordinator, was attacked and harassed by a Correction Officer, Thomas Nagbe, during an attempted jailbreak in Barclayville, Grand Kru County. Suah, who was on duty to gather information, had his phone damaged, and his digital recorder got missing during the scuffle.

Threats to Journalists:

1. Yawah Jaivey (FrontPage Africa Correspondent) – On February 9, 2023, journalist Yawah Jaivey, a correspondent of FrontPage Africa, received threats after reporting on a leaked audio involving Margibi County Health Officer (CHO) and staff discussing financial corruption. Jaivey raised concerns about his safety after noticing suspicious individuals near his home. His reporting led to investigations and actions against the implicated individuals from the Health Ministry.

The Press Union of Liberia in a statement issued in Monrovia praised Jaivey’s Reporting as groundbreaking and exceptional and asked USAID to investigate its investments in the Margibi Healthcare System.

2. Lisa Diasey (Women’s TV-Liberia) – On February 27, 2023, Journalist Lisa Diasey reported threats and harassment from anonymous callers on news of her organization’s coverage of the alleged murder of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott’s daughter and an alleged fake clinic included in the national budget by Bong County Representative Marvin Cole. The anonymous callers threatened Diasey life and warned that if she continued her reporting it would be disastrous.

Meanwhile, the Press Union of Liberia alarmed on the threat against Journalist Diasey. The Union urged the Police to provide the journalist security during the time of the thre