MONROVIA – Amb. Joseph N. Boakai, standard bearer of the opposition Unity Party says Liberians continue to witness a troubling pattern of the Weah administration suppressing the independent press through kakistocratic means.
In a statement issued yesterday on the closure of Spoon Network, Amb. Boakai says the most recent casualty of the assault is the Spoon Network which he says 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, he says the 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 UP standard bearer concluded.
