-In Response to Police Interrogation
In a significant development for press freedom in Liberia, two journalists from the Daily Observer Newspaper, Bai Best and David Yates, appeared before the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, accompanied by representatives from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Liberia Media Lawyers Network (LMLN). This appearance follows ongoing concerns regarding the interrogation and harassment of the journalists related to their reporting on the recent mysterious death of Anwar Futloo, General Manager of Boulevard Palace Hotel.
Tuesday’s meeting, which was scheduled by a prior agreement, was disrupted when police investigators from the Crime Services Division stated that they could not proceed with the interrogation due to the absence of the officer spearheading the investigation, Varney Samah, who was attending to a family bereavement. As a result, the journalists and their colleagues were asked to leave, with assurances that they would be contacted once Mr. Samah returned.
With caution, the PUL notes the investigators’ decision to suspend further questioning at this time and hopes that the journalists’ cooperation on Tuesday marks the conclusion of unnecessary harassment. This marks the third time that journalists Best and Yates have been summoned to the LNP Headquarters following requests from investigators, who had previously labeled journalist Yates as a “person of interest” and a “suspect” in a case that raises critical questions about press freedom and the rights of journalists in Liberia.
In a previous statement released on January 13, 2025, the PUL condemned the conduct of LNP investigators under the directive of Simeon Frank, describing their treatment of the journalists as “unprofessional and unacceptable.” The Union stresses that such actions undermine the essential functions of journalism and the broader democratic principles that protect press freedom.
The PUL and the LMLN say they remain committed to closely monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately to any future threats to the sanctity of journalism in Liberia. We urge law enforcement to uphold the rights and protections afforded to journalists in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
Condemning The Intimidation
Earlier, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) strongly condemns the maltreatment and unjust interrogation of two journalists of the Daily Observer Newspaper by the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The PUL is particularly disturbed by the conduct of Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Services, Simeon Frank, and his team of investigators, who have subjected journalists Bai Best and David Yates to harassment, intimidation, and wrongful detention related to their reporting.
It is both unprofessional and unacceptable for Commissioner Frank and his team to label journalist David Yates as a “person of interest” and a “suspect” in the mysterious death of Anwar Futloo, General Manager of Boulevard Palace Hotel. Such labeling undermines the integrity of journalism and raises serious concerns about the sanctity of press freedom.
The PUL emphasizes that the characterization of journalists based on their reporting constitutes an infringement on the right to free expression, contrary to the Constitution of Liberia, the Kamara A. Kamara Act of Press Freedom, and the Table Mountain Declaration.
We call upon the authorities of the Justice Ministry, led by Minister Oswald Tweh, and the leadership of the Liberia National Police, under Commissioner Gregory Coleman, to immediately cease the ongoing intimidation and coercion being perpetrated by Commissioner Frank and his team. Their actions reflect a troubling continuation of oppressive practices that violate the rights of journalists and endanger press freedom in Liberia.
The PUL demands that Commissioner Simeon Frank issue a formal apology to the journalists and Daily Observer without delay, as his actions represent a grave setback to the freedom of the press to operate without fear of intimidation or harassment.
