A press freedom row has erupted in Liberia after OK FM 99.5 accused the country’s Information Minister, Jerolinmek Piah, of assaulting and intimidating one of its regional reporters in Nimba County.
According to a statement issued by the station’s management, journalist Franklin Doloquee, its Nimba County Correspondent, was allegedly attacked during a press engagement when Minister Piah demanded that he delete photos and videos captured at the event.
Eyewitness accounts and audio recordings reportedly corroborate claims that the minister forcibly seized the journalist’s phone, deleted several images, and continued to retain possession of the device.
OK FM condemned the incident as a “blatant violation of press freedom” and a “dangerous abuse of public office”, calling on President Joseph Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police to ensure accountability and guarantee the immediate return of the reporter’s phone.
“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 said.
The broadcaster further urged the Press Union of Liberia and international partners that support media development to join in condemning the alleged assault.
Liberia is not alone in facing such challenges. Across West Africa, press freedom has come under increasing pressure despite constitutional guarantees.
In Sierra Leone, journalists have reported harassment by security forces during political coverage, even after the repeal of the country’s criminal libel laws in 2020.
In Guinea, media outlets have faced suspensions under military authorities, with reporters citing restrictions on political reporting since the 2021 coup.
In Nigeria, journalists frequently complain of intimidation and detention while covering protests or corruption scandals.
Rights groups warn that such incidents undermine democratic progress in the region and risk creating a chilling effect on independent reporting.
Liberia’s media sector has long been hailed as one of West Africa’s more open environments, especially following reforms after the country’s civil war. But watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly called on authorities to strengthen protections for journalists against harassment and political interference.
OK FM reiterated its commitment to “fearless, independent, and factual reporting”, stressing that no amount of intimidation would deter its work in service of the Liberian people.
As of publication, Minister Piah has not publicly responded to the allegations.