Monrovia, April 11, 2011 - The Center for Media Studies and Peace Building, CEMESP with support from National Endowment has concluded a one day media and security dialogue in Monrovia.

Speaking at the day’s event on April 7, 2011, CEMESP Executive Director Malcolm Joseph said the forum was intended to discuss and find way forward to the persistent wave of brutality meted out against journalists while in the discharge of their duties.

Mr. Joseph indicated the program was initiated in 2009 to address the growing wave of security attacks on journalists. He believes the continual acrimonies between journalists and state securities are based on mere ignorance.

In his keynote address, Liberia’s Associate Justice Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh says journalists covering court proceedings are only allowed to report on the procedure and refrain from handing down perceived verdict.

He considers reporting on cases opinions as pre-judicious and contemptuous under the laws of Liberia. Addressing a cross section of media and security personnel at the one day Media Security Dialogue organized by Center for Media Studies and Peace building in Monrovia, Justice Ja’neh maintains that Liberia’s constitution exonerates no one that violates the law.

Citing article 15 of the Liberian constitution which grants the rights for Freedom of Expression, Cllr. Ja’neh reminded the press about the abuse thereof. “Writing on a court matter can be done in a reasonable limit as cases are determined based on procedure and merits.”

The Associate Justice pointed out two reasons for the recent decision by the Supreme Court to incarcerate Front Page Africa’s Editor–In-Chief Rodney Sieh as “Action was a reckless disregard of the truth” and a complete contravention of the Press Union of Liberia code of conduct.” He then accused journalists of running the court in their newspapers. Associate Justice Ja’neh spoke on the theme: “Strengthening Media Freedom to further Democracy in Liberia.”

Also making remarks at the day’s forum, Press Union of Liberia President Peter Quaqua said he viewed the 30 days sentence of Journalist Sieh by the Supreme Court as heavy-handed. Mr. Quaqua chides the use of force by state security in an attempt to disburse peaceful citizens who assemble to express their grievances as journalists who cover such situation stand the risk of being beaten as well.

“While it is true that police has their roles and responsibilities, they should not build conditions that will prevent journalist from obtaining their news.”

For his part, Information Minister Cletus Sieh believes media freedom should occupy a greater portion of Liberia’s national existence as the country goes through 2011 elections general and presidential elections come October. Minister Sieh warned that no society functions well when the security and the press are at logger head as a good media environment paves the way for a secured state.

“The Government of Liberia has given unprecedented support to the Liberian media”. He admitted that capacity building opportunities has basically been awarded to his ministry staff but promised to revisit his action and focus on the general media community. The government Chief Spokesman wants journalists to exert themselves.

The program brought together security and media practitioners. It was supported by the National Endowment for Democracy and convened at the YMCA in Monrovia.

Signed:______________________________
Varney Karneh
Program Associate