“No Rescue Without Freedom”

 .. PUL Raises Alarm Over Shrinking Democratic Space

By Amos Harris

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued one of its strongest rebukes yet of the current administration, warning that Liberia is witnessing a troubling rollback of democratic gains, particularly regarding free speech and civic participation.

Addressing a press conference at the PUL headquarters on 9th Street in Monrovia, PUL President Julius Kanubah stated that the country’s democratic credentials are being tested by how dissent is handled under President Joseph Boakai. “Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent,” Kanubah declared, painting a grim picture of what he described as a growing climate of fear among journalists, students, activists, and ordinary citizens.

According to Kanubah, an increasing number of Liberians are questioning whether they can freely express their views without facing intimidation, arrest, or retaliation—a concern he said strikes at the heart of the country’s democratic future. Outlining mounting concerns over government actions, the PUL highlighted a series of recent developments it believes collectively signal a dangerous contraction of civic space and a disregard for due process.

Among the issues cited was the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, which the union suggested raises serious constitutional and procedural concerns. The continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, on orders of the Supreme Court of Liberia for criminal contempt, was also flagged as a matter requiring careful legal scrutiny.

Equally troubling, the union said, was the violent suppression of student-led protests at the University of Liberia on April 14, 2026—an incident that has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups. The PUL further criticized what it termed the “extra-legal” expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah by members of the House of Representatives following his outspoken comments on a border dispute between Liberia and Guinea.

Beyond individual incidents, the union warned of broader structural threats to press freedom and transparency. It pointed to ongoing efforts to weaken the Freedom of Information Act through restrictive non-disclosure agreements for government employees—a move critics say could undermine access to public information. Even more alarming, according to the PUL, are discussions within the legislature to amend the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom in ways that could reintroduce criminal penalties for speech under the guise of combating online abuse. Such moves, the union argued, risk reversing hard-won reforms, including the repeal of criminal libel, sedition, and malevolence laws that were once used to silence journalists and critics.

President Kanubah emphasized that freedom of expression is not a privilege granted by the state, but a constitutional right enshrined in Article 15 of Liberia’s Constitution. He warned that actions perceived to bypass legal procedures or judicial oversight erode public confidence in governance. “The judiciary must remain the final arbiter of disputes, and its authority must be respected at all times,” he said, cautioning that any disregard for court processes sets a dangerous precedent.

The PUL also condemned what it described as an increasing reliance on force to disperse peaceful assemblies, arguing that citizens must be allowed to protest and express grievances without fear, especially amid rising economic hardship and unemployment. “Silencing voices does not resolve challenges; it deepens frustration and erodes trust between citizens and the state,” the union warned.

In its concluding remarks, the PUL called on the government to uphold and protect freedom of expression in both principle and practice, respect and strengthen judicial independence, and ensure strict adherence to due process. The union further urged the administration to end the use of force against peaceful protesters and refrain from reintroducing criminal penalties for speech.

The statement ended with a pointed critique of the administration’s “Rescue” agenda, arguing that governance devoid of fundamental freedoms cannot succeed. “Liberia’s democratic journey has been shaped by struggle and sacrifice. These freedoms were not easily won, and they must not be eroded through expediency or intolerance,” Kanubah asserted.

Reaffirming its role as a watchdog, the Press Union of Liberia pledged to continue defending press freedom and promoting accountability. “There can be no rescue without freedom,” the PUL declared—a warning that underscores growing tension between the state and advocates of democratic governance.