By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly condemned what it describes as a troubling legal action against two journalists, warning that the move poses a direct threat to press freedom in Liberia.
In a statement released Thursday, the PUL raised alarm over a writ of summons issued by the Guthrie Magisterial Court in Gbah Jarkel, Bomi County, ordering two Trust FM reporters—Varney Williams and William Kromah—to appear before the court on March 27.
The journalists are expected to answer to allegations of “criminal libel” and “violation of privacy,” charges the PUL has dismissed as baseless and an attempt to intimidate the media.
Complaint Stems from Published Image
The case was filed by Varney D. Foday, Deputy Security Director of the Mano Oil Palm Company. He alleges that journalist Varney Williams took and circulated his photograph on social media without consent, and further shared it with colleague William Kromah, resulting in reputational harm and public ridicule.
However, the PUL insists the journalists were merely carrying out their professional duty by reporting on a matter already before the courts.
Background: Ongoing Criminal Proceedings
According to the PUL, Mr. Foday is currently the subject of separate criminal proceedings. On March 21, 2026, the Madina Magisterial Court in Madina Town, Garwula District, Grand Cape Mount County, ordered his arrest along with three others—Thomas Teah, Levi Kandakai, and Samuel Dennis.
They face multiple charges, including reckless burning, criminal trespass, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy. The case, brought by the Republic of Liberia through private prosecutor Bendu Kandakai, is currently being heard by Stipendiary Magistrate Milton Fahnbulleh.
PUL: Charges Lack Legal Basis
The PUL described the summons issued by Associate Magistrate Jawollay G. Reed as a “grave judicial misstep,” emphasizing that there is no law prohibiting journalists from using publicly available images, particularly in reporting on active legal matters.
PUL President Julius Kanubah stressed that the charges are not only unfounded but also undermine accountability and transparency.
“There is no legal restriction preventing journalists from utilizing publicly available photographs, especially of individuals already subject to court-ordered arrest on serious allegations,” Kanubah said.
He further noted that pursuing legal action against reporters under such circumstances is both unreasonable and unjustifiable, particularly when the subject is a public-facing security official tied to a government-sanctioned company.
Call for Immediate Dismissal
The PUL is calling on the Guthrie Magisterial Court to immediately dismiss the case and refrain from what it terms as judicial harassment of media practitioners.
The Union warned that allowing such actions to proceed could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Liberia, where journalists play a critical role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable.
Reaffirming its stance, the PUL pledged to remain resolute in defending journalists against any form of intimidation, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding the rights of the press.
