MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia has strongly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Press Freedom Act, warning that the draft “Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act of 2026” could undermine freedom of speech and press freedom in Liberia. The Union says the proposed legislation risks reversing democratic gains achieved through the landmark law that decriminalized several speech-related offenses.
Speaking Monday during a public hearing in Monrovia, PUL President Julius Kanubah urged lawmakers to reject any attempt to amend the KAK Act, stressing that the law represents one of Liberia’s most significant democratic reforms aimed at protecting freedom of expression and press freedom.
“The Press Union of Liberia is deeply concerned that the proposed amendment would undermine the spirit and letter of the KAK Act, which repealed oppressive laws such as criminal libel against the President, sedition, and criminal malevolence,” Kanubah said. “The draft legislation not only contradicts the progress made but also risks re-criminalizing free speech and press freedom.”
According to the PUL President, the proposed “Protection from Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act of 2026” could create avenues for public officials to target individuals who express critical views online. He emphasized that while the PUL does not condone personal insults or abusive language, criminalizing such behavior through new legislation could pose serious threats to free speech.
Under the draft law, anyone found guilty of using insulting, obscene, or harassing language through social media platforms, internet forums, or electronic communications could face imprisonment for up to two years. Offenders may also be fined between fifty thousand and five hundred thousand Liberian dollars, or both, depending on the court’s ruling.
The PUL maintains that the proposed penalties are excessive and unnecessary. The Union argues that existing civil remedies under Section 17.3 of the Penal Law of 1978 already provide sufficient legal measures to address disorderly conduct and abusive language without undermining press freedom.
Instead of weakening the KAK Act, the organization is urging lawmakers to disregard the amendment and focus on existing legislative frameworks addressing online abuse. The PUL noted that issues relating to cyber harassment and online misconduct are already being addressed under the draft Cybercrime Act currently before the Legislature.
Kanubah also appealed directly to members of the Joint Committee on Judiciary, Information, Broadcasting, Cultural, and Tourism, as well as the entire House of Representatives, to maintain the integrity of the KAK Act.
“We appeal respectfully to the Joint Committee and the House of Representatives not to amend the KAK Act of Press Freedom,” Kanubah said. “To do so would set a dangerous precedent and risk sending people to jail simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”
The PUL President further warned about what he described as a growing attitude among some public officials in the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches to target individuals for critical expressions, particularly on social media platforms.
