Boakai Claims: “Weah administration suppressing the independent press”, But CDC Gov’t Says It “Is Appalled” By The Opposition Leader’s “Irresponsible Attempt Of The Standard Bearer To Score Political Capital
The leader of the main opposition Unity Party (UP), former Liberian Vice President Joseph Boakai has linked the CDC government of President George Weah to Friday’s closure of the Spoon Network near Monrovia upon the order of the Civil Law Court, but the government has described his claim as “irresponsible”.
Earlier on Friday morning, officers of the Civil Law Court shut down the Spoon Netowrk based on a lawsuit filed by former LISGIS Director General, Wilmot Smith in a writ of attachment for damages of Slander and Libel identified Spoon Communication Network as first defendant while their CEO Stanston Witherspoon as second defendant.
That action promted this reaction by former VP Boakai who posted the following statement on his Facebook page:
“Spoon Network Closure!
Today, we continue to witness a troubling pattern of the Weah administration suppressing the independent press through kakistocratic means.
The most recent casualty of this assault is the Spoon Network which includes Spoon FM, Farbric FM, Super FM and their online TVs which was forcefully shut down this morning due to the government of Liberia’s inability to tolerate dissenting opinions. Meanwhile, pro-regime media outlets known for spreading hate messages are given free rein.
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one, as Punch FM and Roots FM have also experienced similar attacks. These media organizations, dedicated to maintaining their independence, have steadfastly refused to yield to the coercive demands of the Weah government. It is crucial that this relentless assault on press freedom comes to an end since an independent press serves as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
We have no doubt the judiciary also upholds its independence and resist being used as a mere pawn in this political chess game. When the institution entrusted with the responsibility of impartial arbitration, the very essence of justice, allows itself to be manipulated for political gain, it undermines the fundamental rights of citizens. Such actions perpetuate a toxic democratic atmosphere, eroding the principles that underpin a well-functioning society.”
The above Facebook post by the United Party Standard Bearer, Joseph Boakai triggered this reaction from the Liberian government through the Ministry of Information under the signature of its Minister, Ledgerhood J. Rennie:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monrovia, July 14, 2023: The Government of Liberia wishes to clarify that it is not a party to the lawsuit brought against the Management of the Spoon Network, which on Friday, July 14 resulted in the closure of the station’s premises in Monrovia.
The GoL understands that the suit was instead filed months ago by Mr Wilmont Smith, a private citizen of the country, who once served as Deputy Director General for Information Coordination at LISGIS.
Mr Smith stated in his lawsuit that following his dismissal from the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-information Services for Administrative Reasons by President George M. Weah, the station used its network to defame his reputation, characterising him as a “Criminal”.
The case involving the two parties was brought before the court and has been ongoing for several months.
A writ was issued against the Spoon FM’s Management and its owner, Mr Stanton Witherspoon, on Friday morning, July 14, 2023.
The Government of Liberia re-emphasizes that it respects the right to freedom of speech and of the press as it has always demonstrated, but is also cognizant of the fact that an individual feeling injured by the work of a media entity also has the right to seek redress under the laws of Liberia .
The courts, which are an integral part of the Judicial Branch of the Government, are independent of the Executive Branch, which has got no part in this private legal saga.
Meanwhile, the government is appalled by the irresponsible attempt of the standard bearer of the opposition Unity Party to score political capital out of a routine legal matter.
The Weah- led Administration press freedom record remains enviable, which has been repeatedly attested to by all international partners, including outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael McCarthy.
Attempts by the UP Standard Bearer and others to link the government to this purely private legal matter are simply ridiculous, to say the least.”
Signed:____________
Ledgerhood J. Rinnie
*MINISTER*