PHOTO: PUL President Julius Kanubah
Monrovia–The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom, warning that the draft “Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act” represents a grave threat to freedom of speech and expression in Liberia, a PUL press release said today, Tuesday, March 1-2025.
Speaking at a public hearing on Monday, 9 March 2026, PUL President Julius Kanubah warned that any attempt to amend the landmark KAK Act would constitute a significant reversal of hard-won democratic gains that have decriminalized anti-free speech offenses in Liberia.
“The Press Union of Liberia is deeply concerned that the proposed amendment would undermine the spirit and letter of the KAK Act, which repealed oppressive laws such as criminal libel against the President, sedition, and criminal malevolence. The draft legislation not only contradicts the progress made but also risks re-criminalizing free speech and press freedom,” Mr. Kanubah stated.
The PUL President further emphasized that, as proposed, the “Protection from Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act of 2026” would create avenues for public officials to target and punish individuals for critical expression. He stressed that while the PUL does not condone personal insults or abusive language, criminalizing such conduct is a disproportionate and dangerous response.
The draft law proposes that anyone found guilty of using insulting, obscene, or harassing language on social media platform, internet forum, or electronic communication could face imprisonment for up to two years, fines ranging from fifty to five hundred thousand Liberian dollars, or both, at the discretion of the courts.
The PUL maintains that such measures are excessive and unnecessary, as existing civil remedies under Section 17.3 of the Penal Law of 1978 are sufficient to address disorderly conduct and abusive language.
Instead of weakening the KAK Act, the PUL urges lawmakers to disregard the proposed amendment, noting that issues of online harassment and abuse are already addressed in the draft Cybercrime Act currently before the legislature.
“We appeal respectfully to the Joint Committee on Judiciary, Information, Broadcasting, Cultural, and Tourism, and the entire House of Representatives: do not amend the KAK Act of Press Freedom. To do so would set a dangerous precedent and risk sending people to jail simply for exercising their constitutional rights,” Mr. Kanubah urged, while underscoring the growing attitude of some public officials in the judiciary, executive, and legislature to target and punish people for critical expressions.
The PUL’s position has garnered support from prominent figures, including Mr. Kwame Clement, Founding President and Dean of the Liberia School of Law, and Mr. Ralph Nyuma of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights. Mr. Clement, a respected journalist and legal academic, echoed the PUL’s concerns, calling on lawmakers to carefully scrutinize the proposed amendment for its potential to chill free speech.
The draft Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act was introduced by Representative Nyahn Flomo of Nimba County, District 2, in response to concerns about the misuse of free expression on social media.
However, Representative Sumo Mulbah, also of the House Joint Committee, voiced strong opposition to any legislative measure that would erode press freedom or contravene Liberia’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations conventions.
The Press Union of Liberia calls on the House of Representatives to stand firm in defense of free speech, expression, and a free press – cornerstones of democracy and good governance in Liberia.
Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL