The Government of Liberia’s attention is drawn to a social media post notifying the public of a plan by Radio Bushrod (D15 Radio) to begin hosting Henry Costa, who fled the country in 2020 after a writ was issued for his arrest in a criminal matter. Mr. Costa is still wanted by the law.
The government informed the station’s Management that Costa, as a fugitive from Liberian justice, cannot host radio programs meant to communicate to Liberian audience while in the United States. Any act contrary to said notice will be a violation of the terms of the permit issued by the Ministry of Information and licensing conditions promulgated under the Telecommunications Act of Liberia.
Everyone, including broadcasters, has to be held accountable for what they communicate. Article 15 of the Liberian constitution states that “every person shall have the right to freedom of speech,
being responsible for the abuse thereof”. If one is injured by a fugitive broadcasting from the United States, there would be no available redress. The Government has a responsibility to protect the public.
Any station, including D15, which continues in this path in utter violation of the laws of Liberia will have their permit and license revoked.
The use of the airwaves is a license, granted by the Liberian government to those who meet prescribed criteria.
PUL President Charles Coffey and Information Minister Rennie
Therefore, the government will leave no stone unturned in the scrupulous implementation of the laws of Liberia, with sensitivity to protecting the rights and obligations of free speech.
Meanwhile, the Press Union of Liberia said it is consulting its lawyers for legal opinion to inform its position on the government’s statement against Radio Bushrod (D-15) and Politician Henry Costa.
According to a PUL release, the outcome of the legal consultation will pave the way for the union’s next course of action which could include but not limited to legal action before the Supreme Court of Liberia for interpretation of the Weah Administration’s statement.
The Union sees the protection of free speech and freedom of the press as its code mandate and will do everything in protecting this sacred fundamental right enshrined in article 15 of the Constitution of Liberia.
The Union is at the same time in advance conversation with the management of D-15 and the Ministry of Information aimed at finding an amicable way forward in the interest of the country’s reputation.