As The PUL Welcomes Apology, But Reminds Leaders Of Obligation To Protect Journalists
PHOTO: Speaker Richard Koon vowed to uphold the tenets of good governance, accountability and transparency when he took office earlier this year
Amidst public condemnation, Liberia’s House of Representatives Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon has apologized to Journalists covering the Capitol Building for threatening them with arrests, if they reported comments made by Lawmakers in the Chambers before session formally opens.
Speaker Koon, who is the ruling Unity Party Lawmaker, was heard in audio recording coming out of the House Chambers on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 and aired on local radio station, angrily threatening to arrests Journalists and deal with them.
But speaking during the plenary session on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Speaker Koon expressed regret for comments in which he threatened to “grab and jail” journalists.
After his apology, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) issued a release today welcoming the public apology issued by the regarding his recent threat against journalists.
PUL President Julius Kanubah
The press release, signed by PUL President Julius Kanubah, said:
“The Union views the apology as an important step toward restoring trust and reinforcing the duty of public officials to safeguard press freedom. As part of subsequent efforts to repair relations, the Speaker met with the leadership of both the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL).”
During the meeting, Speaker Koon reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom and the independence of the media, clarifying that his earlier remarks were made jokingly and not intended to intimidate the press.
PUL President Kanubah welcomed the Speaker’s apology and acknowledged the importance of recognizing the harmful implications such statements can have on journalists and the broader democratic environment.
He underscored the need for mutual respect and continued dialogue between the Office of the Speaker and journalists assigned to the Legislature.
LEGISPOOL President Emmanuel Kollie encouraged the Speaker to cultivate a more open and engaging relationship with the media, noting that democratic governance thrives when leaders respect the work of journalists.
Also present at the meeting were LEGISPOOL Secretary General Gibson Gee, Media Adviser to the Speaker Vehzelee Sumo, and Director of the House Press Bureau Robert Haynes.
The PUL reminds all national leaders—across branches of government and public institutions—of their shared obligation to ensure the safety and protection of journalists as they carry out their duties.
The Union at the same time urges journalists to continue upholding the highest ethical standards in their reporting and to remain steadfast in the pursuit of public-interest journalism.