The Press Union of Liberia says it is seeking its lawyers’ opinion to inform its position on the government’s statement against Radio Bushrod (D-15) and Politician Henry Costa.
According to a PUL release, the outcome of the legal consultation will pave way for the union’s next course of action which could include but not limited to legal action before the Supreme Court of Liberia for interpretation of the Weah administration’s statement.
The Liberian government through the Information Ministry on January 17, 2021 said:
“The government informed the station’s Management that Costa, as a fugitive from Liberian justice, can not host radio programs meant to communicate to Liberian audience while in the United States. Any act contrary to said notice will be a violation of the terms of the permit issued by the Ministry of Information and licensing conditions promulgated under the Telecommunications Act of Liberia.”
But the PUL in a release says: “it sees the protection of free speech and freedom of the press as its code mandate and will do everything in protecting this sacred fundamental right enshrined in article 15 of the Constitution of Liberia”.
The Union says it is also in advanced talks with the management of D-15 and the Ministry of Information aimed at finding a common ground in the interest of the country’s reputation.
The Liberian Government recently warned the management of the local FM radio in Monrovia against hosting the contentious Costa Show by activist Henry Costa who’s now tagged by the Weah Government as fugitive.
The administration had tried in vain to detain Mr. Costa on alleged immigration fraud.
Government had sent an extradition request to its counterparts in Sierra Leone where Costa had fled to arrest and send him back to Liberia.
But under mounting civil society pressure in Freetown, that request was turned down, and Costa was allowed to carry on with his journey to America.
FULL TEXT OF THE INFORMATION MINISTRY’S PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
PRESS RELEASE
Monrovia, January 17, 2021: The Government of Liberia’s attention is drawn to a social media post notifying the public of a plan by Radio Bushrod (D15 Radio) to begin hosting Henry Costa, who fled the country in 2020 after a writ was issued for his arrest in a criminal matter. Mr. Costa is still wanted by the law.
The government informed the station’s Management that Costa, as a fugitive from Liberian justice, can not host radio programs meant to communicate to Liberian audience while in the United States. Any act contrary to said notice will be a violation of the terms of the permit issued by the Ministry of Information and licensing conditions promulgated under the Telecommunications Act of Liberia.
Everyone, including broadcasters, has to be held accountable for what they communicate. Article 15 of the Liberian constitution states that “every person shall have the right to freedom of speech,
being responsible for the abuse thereof”. If one is injured by a fugitive broadcasting from the United States, there would be no available redress. The Government has a responsibility to protect the public.
Any station, including D15, which continues in this path in utter violation of the laws of Liberia will have their permit and license revoked.
The use of the airwaves is a license, granted by the Liberian government to those who meet prescribed criteria.
Therefore, the government will leave no stone unturned in the scrupulous implementataion of the laws of Liberia, with sensitivity to protecting the rights and obligations of free speech.
Signed: _______________________
Ledgerhood J. Rennie
MINISTER