MONROVIA – Liberia’s Information Minister, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has been accused of assaulting and intimidating a journalist during a press engagement in Nimba County, an incident that media rights advocates say raises fresh concerns about press freedom in the country.
According to a press release issued Sunday, September 14, 2025, and signed by the management of OK FM 99.5, the incident occurred Saturday at the compound of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono in Sanniquellie. The confrontation began when Franklin Doloquee, OK FM’s Nimba County correspondent, posed a question regarding the absence of Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who had been expected at the ceremony but did not attend. The inquiry reportedly angered the minister.
“According to accounts from Mr. Doloquee and eyewitnesses, Liberia’s Information Minister Mr. Jerolinmek Piah forcibly seized the reporter’s phone after demanding that he delete photos and videos taken during a press engagement. When the reporter declined, the Minister allegedly proceeded to personally delete several images and is said to still be in possession of the journalist’s phone,” the station’s press statement said.
The release added that audio recordings of the encounter, which are in the possession of OK FM, corroborate the allegations and capture Minister Piah ordering the journalist to delete “every photo and video” he recorded.
Describing the incident as an attack on media independence, OK FM said: “This incident is a blatant violation of press freedom, a direct attack on the sacred role of journalists, and a dangerous abuse of public office. No official, regardless of rank, has the right to assault, intimidate, or confiscate the property of members of the press who are lawfully carrying out their duties.”
The station called on President Joseph Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police to take immediate action. “The immediate return of the reporter’s phone and an impartial investigation into the matter must be prioritized,” the statement urged. OK FM also appealed to the Press Union of Liberia and international partners to publicly condemn the minister’s alleged conduct.
Reaffirming its commitment to independent journalism, OK FM declared: “We stand in solidarity with our Nimba County Correspondent and remain committed to fearless, independent, and factual reporting in the service of the Liberian people. No amount of intimidation from Minister Piah and his likes will deter us.”
As of press time, Minister Piah had not publicly responded to the allegations.
