PHOTO: FPA News Desk Editor Lennart Dodoo, an Award winning Liberian Journalist
The life of the News Desk Editor of one of Liberia’s leading newspapers, FrontpageAfrica is said to be coming under threat, as he has written a letter of complaint to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Editor Lennart Dodoo shared with the Police Inspector General Patrick Sudue one of the threatening posts against him on the social media.
In his letter of complaint, Mr. Dodoo said the threats on his person are not isolated.
SEE FULL TEXT OF HIS LETTER BELOW
Lennart Dodoo
News Desk Chief
FrontPageAfrica
Wroto Town, Airfield Road Sinkor, Monrovia dodoolennart@gmail.com 0770-509-509
November 15, 2023
Inspector General of Police
Col. Patrick Sudue
Charles Alphonso Caine Building
Capitol Hill
Monrovia, Liberia
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Threats to My Life on Facebook
Dear Inspector General Sudue,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern regarding a direct threat to my life and professional well-being by an individual identified as Teika Kpakolo (Kelvin). I am a journalist named Lennart Dodoo, and I believe that my safety is in jeopardy following a disturbing post made by Mr. Kpakolo on Facebook.
On November 13, Mr. Kpakolo posted the following message on his Facebook profile:
“Lennart Dodoo so you market your integrity for small money that Brother Fallah gave you, if anything happens in our county. Take my statement to the bank. We are going to come after you.”
I interpret this post as a direct threat to my life and my work as a journalist. While I am committed to carrying out my professional duties fearlessly, I cannot ignore the gravity of such threats, especially during this electioneering period. I understand that political tensions can be high, but personal safety should never be compromised.
This incident is not isolated, as I have faced threats from followers of politicians in the past. However, the explicit nature of Mr. Kpakolo’s message has heightened my concerns, prompting me to bring this matter to your attention. As a journalist committed to upholding the truth and informing the public, I understand that my work may sometimes attract criticism. However, threats of violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society that values freedom of expression and the press.
I kindly request that the Liberia National Police thoroughly investigate this matter and take appropriate action to ensure my safety and that of my family. It is my sincere hope that the authorities will address this issue promptly to prevent any further escalation.
I am willing to cooperate fully with any investigation and provide any additional information that may be required. Your attention to this matter is crucial, and I trust that the Liberia National Police will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists in our country.
I am attaching to the letter a printed screenshot of the threat which up to the time of filing this letter to your office was still up on his Facebook page.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and I look forward to a swift and thorough investigation.
Sincerely,
Lennart Dodoo
CC:
The Press Union of Liberia
The Committee to Protect Journalists
The Independent Human Rights Commission
Global Justice and Research Project
The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights