Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR)

02/09/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2025
Monrovia, Liberia

ALICOR Commends LisgisPool on Election of Journalists and Highlights Community Radio Achievements

The Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR) has commended the Legislative Press Pool for the successful election of journalists Emmanuel Tatormue Kollie as President, Laymah Kollie as Vice President, and Gibson Gee Gibson as Secretary General.

According to ALICOR, the election of the three journalists reflects the increasing influence of community radio practitioners in shaping Liberia’s post-war media landscape.

Their rise to leadership positions demonstrates how grassroots broadcasters are transitioning into prominent roles on the national stage.

Emmanuel Kollie, the newly elected president, lastly worked at Classic FM in Kakata before moving to KMTV and later joining ELBC, where he earned the prestigious LBS Rising Star Award in 2021.

Laymah Kollie, now serving as vice president, started at Super Bongese Radio and later joined Women’s TV, where she has produced impactful and groundbreaking reports.

Secretary General Gibson Gee Gibson, currently with Punch FM and the Liberian Investigator, launched his journalism career at Flash FM in Zwedru.

ALICOR encouraged journalists working in rural Liberia to remain committed to professional growth and excellence, emphasizing that dedication and a willingness to leave comfort zones can lead to national and international recognition.

The association also recognized other community radio journalists who have successfully gained national promimence, including Clarence Jackson, Jefferson Massah, Robert Clarke, Trokon Freeman, Gbatemah Success, Justice Clarke, and several others, noting their growing contributions to the media landscape.

Signed:
Emmanuel Tophic Degleh
Secretary General, ALICOR

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21/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Magisterial Court Drops Criminal Charge Against Journalists in Rivercess After Advocacy and Legal Representation by PUL

(August 21, 2025): In a significant victory for press freedom, the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court in Rivercess County has agreed to drop the “criminal contempt of court” charge against Liberian journalists Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye. This decision comes after legal representation and concerted advocacy efforts by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).

The court’s decision was delivered by Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah on August 20, 2025, after a compelling pleading by Attorney Bruce Boweh, who was appointed by the PUL to safeguard the interests of the journalists.

While the criminal contempt charges were agreed to be dropped, the Magistrate has imposed the minimum fine of fifty United States Dollars on each of the journalists and has required them to submit a formal written apology to the Court, along with a retraction of their allegations of court bribery disseminated through their media outlets.

The successful representation by Attorney Boweh marks an important triumph, safeguarding the rights of Doue and Gaye from ongoing harassment, intimidation, and threats that sought to undermine their journalistic freedom.

PUL President Julius Kanubah expressed relief at the Magisterial court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom and Liberia's commitment to the Declaration of Table Mountain.

Attorney Boweh, who traveled to Rivercess on August 19, stated before the Court that while the journalists' reports contained factual inaccuracies, these were not intended to detract from the Court’s integrity; rather, they aimed to inform the public on a critical issue.

Prior to his involvement, Attorney Boweh affirmed his commitment to the PUL and the Court to disclose any substantiated evidence of bribery, and should there be none, to advocate for the dismissal of the criminal contempt charge by acknowledging the shortcomings in the journalists’ report.

Following a thorough assessment, Attorney Boweh concluded that the journalists lacked credible evidence to support their claims of bribery against the Court, having relied instead on unnamed informants and conjecture.

This finding was consistent with the PUL’s earlier evaluations and the journalists’ own admission of their inaccuracies, which they have publicly acknowledged and apologized for—a practice deemed acceptable in both journalistic ethics and legal proceedings.

Background:
Eric Opa Doue was apprehended by court marshals on August 13, 2025, at the behest of Associate Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah. After a release, he was instructed to appear before the court on August 18, 2025, but attended without legal representation. The Magistrate subsequently mandated his reappearance with legal counsel by August 20, 2025, to avoid the risk of re-arrest.

In the second case of criminal coercion, Methuselah Gaye was detained on August 14, 2025, following a complaint lodged by police officer Ojuku Weeks, who is acting as a private prosecutor. Officer Weeks alleged that the journalists had made “false allegation” implicating him in narcotics-related offenses and bribery.

Both journalists spent a night in custody, later released upon meeting stringent bail conditions: Gaye paid a cash bond of 60,000 Liberian dollars or USD 300, while Doue was released after paying 2,000 Liberian dollars or USD 10, with support from community figures in Rivercess County.

The PUL condemned the arrests as part of what appears to be a coordinated effort to stifle journalistic expression in Rivercess County, raising concerns over the refusal of Public Defender Abraham Nyounway to provide legal representation to the journalists.

Pending before the Cestos City Magisterial Court is a case of criminal coercion against the journalists, overseen by Associate Magistrate Dixon Yeahgar. The PUL will collaborate with journalists Doue and Gaye, along with Attorney Boweh, to seek a just and amicable resolution in the days ahead.

Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL


Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia
U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia
Press Union Of Liberia Official

21/08/2025

Standing for Press Freedom is an uncompromising mandate.....




European Union in Liberia
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U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia
Radio Gbarnga

20/08/2025

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20/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUL Deploys Legal Representation for Journalists Facing Criminal Charges in Rivercess

(August 20, 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has deployed distinguished journalist and Attorney-at-Law Bruce Boweh to represent two Liberian journalists, Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye, who are currently facing criminal charges in Rivercess County.

The charges of “criminal contempt of court” and “criminal coercion” stem from publications by the journalists that allege corruption within the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court, specifically claims of bribery and the controversial release of a police officer allegedly apprehended with narcotics.

In addressing the situation, PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized the Union’s strong commitment to ensuring the journalists’ freedom from the criminal charges, expressing gratitude to Atty. Boweh for taking on this critical role.

“The unfettered freedom of journalists is of paramount concern to the Union,” Kanubah stated.

Bruce Boweh, a former editor at the Liberia Broadcasting System and an award-winning judicial correspondent of the erstwhile Independent Star Radio Liberia, possesses more than two decades of experience characterized by ethical journalism, integrity, and media leadership.

“We are confident that Bruce will utilize his extensive knowledge of journalism and law to plea effectively for our colleagues, seeking the dismissal of all criminal charges through legal arguments and constructive dialogue,” asserted Kanubah.

The PUL emphasizes the importance of dropping the criminal charges, noting that anti-free speech offenses have been decriminalized under the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom. Additionally, Liberia's commitment to the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for the abolition of criminal defamation laws, reinforces this stance. “No journalist should endure harassment, intimidation, or silencing due to published content, particularly when such content has been clarified and rectified,” the PUL states.

Background:

On August 13, 2025, Eric Opa Doue was arrested by court sheriffs at the direction of Associate Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah of the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court. Following his release, he was instructed to reappear on August 18, 2025, which he did but without a lawyer. He was subsequently informed by the Magistrate to re-appear with a legal counsel by August 20, 2025, or risks re-arrest.

On August 14, 2025, Methuselah Gaye was detained following a complaint by police officer Ojuku Weeks, who filed the criminal coercion charge as a private prosecutor. Officer Weeks alleged that the journalists had published “false allegation” linking him to narcotics possession and bribery.

Subsequently, both journalists were temporarily released after spending a night each in jail and meeting excessive financial and community bail conditions—Methuselah upon paying a cash bond of 60,000 Liberian dollars (USD 300) and Eric upon paying 2,000 Liberian dollars and with the support of prominent Rivercess County figures.

The PUL criticized the arrests and excessive cash bond fees, labeling them as part of what appears to be a coordinated effort to harass, intimidate and silence journalists in Rivercess County. The Union also questioned the refusal of Public Defender Abraham Nyounway to represent the journalists.

The PUL is monitoring the situation and will provide update after today’s court re-appearance by the journalists at the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court, presided over by Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah.

Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL

17/08/2025

For Immediate Release

ALICOR Welcomes U.S. Government’s Concern over Aggression against the Media

Monrovia, Liberia — August 17, 2025 — The Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR) welcomes the United States Government’s 2024 Human Rights Report highlighting aggression against the media, particularly community radio stations, with specific reference to the recent case involving Radio Kakata.

In that case, then Margibi County Superintendent Victoria Duncan — now Circuit Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court — forcibly removed Mr. Jerry Quoi, citing alleged financial malpractice. This action, for which she had no legal authority, represents a troubling misuse of power to silence the media and a clear violation of press freedom.

ALICOR hopes this acknowledgment will serve as a warning to public officials who may attempt to use their positions to suppress the media. Community radio stations, though often under-resourced, play a vital role in advancing national priorities by promoting peace, reconciliation, and development.

The association also recalls numerous attacks on community radio stations over the years, often carried out by government officials seeking to evade accountability for their actions. ALICOR reaffirms its commitment to defending the independence of Liberia’s community radio network and ensuring that journalists can work without fear of censorship or political interference.

ALICOR envisions an environment where community radio stations can serve freely as the voice of the voiceless — free from censorship, intimidation, or harassment.

Signed:
Emmanuel Tophic Degleh
Secretary General/ALICOR

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16/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUL Decries Abuse of Judicial Power against Journalists in Rivercess County

(16 August 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is alarmed by what appears to be a coordinated legal campaign aimed at harassing, intimidating, and silencing journalists in Rivercess County. The Union detests in the strongest terms the calculated detention and ongoing judicial persecution of journalists Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye, describing it as a blatant abuse of judicial authority.

In a statement, the PUL demanded that Associate Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah of the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court, and both Associate Magistrate Dixon Yeahgar and Stipendiary Magistrate Colston Flemming of the Cestos City Magisterial Court immediately cease all forms of harassment and unlawful detention of the two journalists.

Since Wednesday, 13 August 2025, without any form of legal representation, the journalists have been subjected to two separate but closest comparable arrest warrants and sent to jail:

The first warrant issued by Magistrate Debah, charges them with “Criminal Contempt of Court” for allegedly publishing “false, misleading, and unfounded information” on social media that questioned the integrity of the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court. The reporting in question linked the Court to alleged bribery in the release of police officer Ojuku Weeks, who it had been reported was arrested by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for possession of narcotics.

The second warrant, issued by Magistrate Yeahgar, charges them with “Criminal Coercion”, a case brought at the request of the same police officer (Ojuku Weeks) acting as a private prosecutor, effectively following up on the earlier contempt allegation.

The journalists acknowledged that the naming of police officer Ojuku in their reporting was based on accounts of their sources, but a retraction was made once it became clear the arrested drug suspect was Morris Doe, instead.

PUL President Julius Kanubah expressed outrage over what he described as “a strategically orchestrated attack on the press by a network of judicial and state actors in Rivercess County.”

He added:

“We are deeply disturbed that, despite the decriminalization of free speech offenses through the enact of the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom and Liberia’s formal commitment to the Declaration of Table Mountain—which calls for the elimination of criminal defamation laws—a group of judicial and state actors appears determined to misuse criminal provisions of judicial laws to punish journalists for their work. This is an abuse of judicial power and a dangerous retreat from Liberia’s obligations to protect press freedom.”

The PUL is further alarmed by reports that the Cestos Magisterial Court imposed excessive bail of 60,000 Liberian Dollars (approximately USD 300) on each journalist, a punitive measure in a county where poverty is widespread. While Methuselah Gaye secured temporary release after spending the night of Thursday, 14 August 2025, in jail and posting bail without legal counsel, Eric Opa Doue was taken to prison on Friday, 15 August 2025, at Cestos Prison, unable to immediately pay the cash bond.

Such excessive bail coupled with the questionable refusal of the Public Defender Abraham Nyounway to represent and sign for each of the journalists, the PUL notes, effectively criminalizes journalism and sets a dangerous precedent for journalists in rural areas, who already operate in environments rife with political interference and systemic abuse of authority.

Although Eric was released on early Saturday, 16 August 2025, after spending a night in jail, the Union wants the purging of all criminal charges against them and urges all individuals and institutions with grievances about media reporting to use appropriate legal and regulatory channels, rather than weaponizing the courts to punish journalists and suppress journalism.

Judicial actors must uphold due process, safeguard freedom of expression, and respect the press as an essential pillar of Liberia’s democracy, the release concluded.

Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL

16/08/2025

ALICOR President Holds Journalistic Engagement with Media Practitioners in Grand Bassa

The President of the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR), Mr. Hector Mulbah has successfully convened a meeting with media stakeholders in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.

The interactive forum, held under the theme “Strengthening Community Media for National Development,” brought together over thirty journalists representing diverse media institutions in Buchanan City. The engagement served as a significant step toward fostering unity, collaboration, and professional growth among journalists in the region.

Throughout the deliberations, participants exchanged a broad spectrum of perspectives on the prevailing challenges confronting the media sector. Concerns were raised regarding limited opportunities, professional devaluation, low income, and the underutilization of media professionals in roles such as Public Relations, Consultancy, and Community Liaison.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mulbah admonished journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He emphasized the importance of self-value and personal capacity development as prerequisites for career advancement and societal recognition. He further stressed that genuine passion for journalism must remain the driving force for every practitioner, noting that immense opportunities exist for those who invest in enhancing their competence and credibility.

In a collective resolve, the journalists in attendance pledged to prioritize unity and solidarity as a means of safeguarding the integrity and standards of journalism.

The Journalistic Engagement not only highlighted the challenges of the media sector but also laid a foundation for strengthening community media as an indispensable instrument for Liberia’s democratic and developmental aspirations.

Internews in Liberia
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Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia
European Union in Liberia

15/08/2025

Alert!

The Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) are closely monitoring the situation involving journalists Eric Opa Duoe and Methuselah Gaye in River Cess County.

ALICOR, in collaboration with the PUL, is taking steps to appropriately address the double court charges and the subsequent arrest of the journalists.

Signed ______________________
Emmanuel Degleh
Secretary Genera /ALICOR

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31/07/2025

"Formal Turnover of Equipment to ALICOR Marks Conclusion of Radio Content Syndication Project"

On behalf of the implementing partners, a formal handover ceremony was held to officially present essential broadcast equipment to the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR), symbolizing the successful completion of the Content Syndication Project, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, SIDA, and technical support from Internews, which officially concluded on June 30, 2025.

The project, which spanned 36 months, aimed to strengthen community radio stations across Liberia by enhancing their technical capacity and unifying content delivery through syndicated programming. The equipment turned over includes Modern Multimedia Studio and a set of Solar Energy which will significantly boost the production quality and outreach of ALICOR-affiliated stations.

This gesture demonstrates the continued commitment of stakeholders to empowering community media as a vital platform for civic engagement, public information dissemination, and democratic dialogue in Liberia.

ALICOR extends profound appreciation to the Swedish International Development Agency, SIDA, Internews and stakeholders for their unwavering support and looks forward to maximizing the use of this equipment to serve the Liberian people more effectively.

17/06/2025

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

ALICOR is an umbrella Association of community radio stations in Liberia. It has a membership of 65 community radio stations in Liberia and it was Founded in July 2005.

31/05/2025

ALICOR's Spotlight features Joekai Yango an emerging journalist and public relations professional at Radio Joy Africa in Kakata, Margibi County.

Journalist|Youth Advocate|Public Relations

Joekai George Yango is a dynamic and enterprising local Liberian broadcast journalist whose career spans six years of impactful radio and online television reporting.

Since beginning in 2018 as an intern broadcaster at Radio Joy Africa in Kakata, he has advanced through roles including Deputy News Director at Radio Kakata, Manager at Liberia TV, and today serves as News Director at Radio Joy Africa while also reporting as Margibi County Correspondent for OKFM Liberia and Today Liberia Television.

As President of the Margibi Young Journalists Association (MaYJA), Joekai leads a 200-member network of emerging media professionals—organizing skills workshops, advocacy campaigns, and mentorship programs that raise journalistic standards and amplify youth voices.

In 2023, he further contributed to civic discourse as Margibi Focus Person for Citizens Agenda and moderator of ALICOR Representatives debates with Internews.

He is Bachelor’s candidate in Communications and Media Studies at the University of Liberia, Joekai holds diplomas in Journalism (Alison eLearning; Francis Mitchell Memorial Academy), a Pedagogy certificate (Global Mission Education Institute), and leadership and elections-reporting credentials.

He was twice named Best Radio Talk Show Host in Margibi County (2021–22, 2022–23) and is a member of the Press Union of Liberia and the Association of Public Relations Professionals.

His advocacy for youth development and belief in journalism’s power to drive positive change have made his voice a trusted one across Margibi County and beyond.

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