PRESS UNION OF LIBERIA CONDEMNS ARBITRARY CLOSURE OF SPOON NETWORK

Date:

MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly denounced the recent order by the Civil Law Court to shut down Spoon Network Incorporated, considering it a direct infringement on freedom of expression and the free press.

The PUL views this action as arbitrary, intimidating, and an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy. The PUL emphasizes that this court decision undermines democratic values and the significant progress made by governments to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and free speech. Such actions hinder the development of an open and transparent society.

In its official statement, the Press Union vehemently condemns the closure of the Spoon Network, describing it as a barbaric and harsh decision that seems to carry the venom of a politically exposed person. The PUL firmly believes that this matter should be treated as a civil issue and not a criminal one, highlighting the need for a judicial approach rather than a political one.

The Union insists that the action to issue a writ on a broadcaster with an attachment order is clearly to get it off air and has absolutely nothing to do with the merits of the case. This action, the PUL says, is an intentional closure of Spoon Network, intending to damage its standard and lower its rating by the time the ban is lifted.

The Press Union of Liberia urges the relevant authorities, including the civil law court, to reconsider their decision and reinstate the operations of Spoon Network Incorporated. The closure of Spoon Network is aimed at stifling freedom of the press, especially in a country where the press is only partially free, according to freedom trackers.

The closure of Spoon Network by the courts suggests a deliberate attempt to restrict or suppress the press, which is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. Freedom of the press is a vital component of a functioning democracy, as it allows for the free flow of information, promotes transparency, and holds those in power accountable.

The Union asserts that when courts are used to silence or hinder the press, it undermines these principles and threatens the overall democratic fabric of a country. The PUL laments that with the shutting down of Spoon Network by courts or using them to curtail the freedom of the press, it becomes difficult for journalists to carry out their work effectively.

They are likely to face legal hurdles, intimidation, or even imprisonment, preventing them from reporting on important issues or uncovering wrongdoing, the Union fears. Spoon Network has been in court since late 2022 after former Deputy Director General of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-information Services (LISGIS), Wilmot Smith, filed a libel suit against the broadcaster.

smartnews
Smart News Liberia is an online news outlet, a product of Smart Media Group Inc. smartnewsliberia.com publishes a wide range of content including politics, business, sports, and entertainment on and about Liberia. Contact: +231777425285/ 886946925 Email: info@smartnewsliberia.com/ smartnewsliberia@gmail.com

MORE NEWS

SWEDEN ACCUSED OF LIBERIAN ABORTION LAW INTERFERENCE

"We know that other countries are putting pressure on...

SIERRA LEONE LIFTS CURFEW AFTER BREAKOUT FROM FREETOWN’S PADEMBA ROAD PRISON

By Mayeni Jones & Umaru Fofana Sierra Leone's night-time curfew...

FORMER PRESIDENT KOROMA’S BODYGUARD SHOT DEAD IN FREETOWN

By Deborah Sorie The Principal Assistant to former Sierra Leone...

SIERRA LEONE UNDER A NATIONWIDE CURFEW AS ARMED MEN BROKE INTO A PRISON, SETTING INMATES FREE

By Mayeni Jones BBC West Africa correspondent Sierra Leone has been...

INTEGRITY MATTERS FOR ELECTORAL LEGITIMACY – TEAM KANUBAH–SIEH ON ELECTIONS AND PUL

MONROVIA – The National Campaign Management Team of Julius...

LIBERIA: PRESIDENT WEAH DEPARTS FOR COP28 CONFERENCE

MONROVIA – President George Manneh Weah has departed the...

REMEMBERING PREZO: A TRIBUTE TO FALLEN PUL PRESIDENT TERENCE SAHR ALBERT SESAY

By Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh (former SG/PUL) In the hushed moments...

PUL ACTING SG BAYSAH SELECTED AS IP INFLUENCER IN AFRICA

The Acting Secretary General of the Press Union of...

PRESIDENT GEORGE WEAH ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER 123

MONROVIA – President George Manneh Weah, has issued Executive...

ALJA COMMENDS LIBERIANS ON THE SUCCESSFUL AND PEACEFUL CONCLUSION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA)...

FORMER NIC CHAIRMAN PAYGAI CONGRATULATES BOAKAI

MONROVIA – Dr. Q. Somah Paygai Sr., former Chairman...

LIBERIA: CDC SECRETARY GENERAL RALLIES PARTISANS TO AVOID ANTI-PEACE ACTIONS AFTER ELECTION

MONROVIA – The Secretary General of Liberia’s ruling party,...

PETER OBI REACTS TO LIBERIA ELECTION AS PRESIDENT WEAH CONCEDES DEFEAT

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

SPEECH

LEGAL

spot_imgspot_img

COUNTY NEWS

COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY: OVERCOMING ENTRENCHED CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS

By Johny Teah Koffa Corruption has long been a debilitating...

I BEG TO DIFFER, LFA VICE PRESIDENT MR. ADOLPHUS DOLO…

A commentary by Olando Testimony Zeongar Yet again, the...
Share via
Copy link
%d bloggers like this: