– Following PUL Intervention
RIVERCESS, LIBERIA – In a major legal victory for press freedom in Liberia, the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court in Rivercess County has dismissed criminal contempt charges against journalists Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye. The decision, delivered on August 20, 2025, follows intensive legal advocacy and representation arranged by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
Presiding Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah agreed to withdraw the criminal charges after hearing arguments from Attorney Bruce Boweh, who was specially appointed by the PUL to defend the journalists. While the court dismissed the criminal contempt case, it imposed a nominal fine of fifty United States Dollars on each journalist and mandated they submit formal written apologies and retractions regarding their allegations of judicial bribery, which were disseminated through their media platforms.
The journalists had faced arrest, detention, and mounting legal pressure after reporting on allegations of corruption within the local judiciary. Their initial detention on August 13 and 14, respectively, drew sharp condemnation from media freedom advocates and raised concerns over the use of criminal charges to intimidate journalists.
PUL President Julius Kanubah welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a relief not only for the individual journalists but for Liberia’s broader commitment to press freedom. “This outcome reaffirms the importance of the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom and Liberia’s obligations under the Declaration of Table Mountain,” Kanubah stated. “Journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without fear of criminalization.”
Attorney Bruce Boweh, who traveled from Monrovia to Rivercess to represent the defendants, argued before the court that while the journalists’ reports contained inaccuracies, they were published in good faith to inform the public on a matter of grave concern. He emphasized that the journalists never intended to undermine the court’s integrity.
Boweh further disclosed that, as part of his commitment to both the PUL and the court, he conducted a thorough review of the journalists’ sources and evidence. He concluded that the bribery allegations were based on unnamed informants and speculation rather than verifiable proof—a finding consistent with the PUL’s own assessment.
Both Doue and Gaye have publicly acknowledged these shortcomings and issued apologies for the inaccurate reports, a step that aligns with journalistic ethics and helped facilitate a resolution.
The arrests of Doue and Gaye had been widely criticized as disproportionate. Doue was initially taken into custody by court marshals on August 13 and released only after community members posted a bond of 2,000 Liberian dollars (approximately USD 10). Gaye was detained the following day and required to post a bond of 60,000 Liberian dollars (USD 300) to secure his release.
The PUL had raised alarms over what it described as a “coordinated effort to stifle journalistic expression” in Rivercess, noting with particular concern the refusal of Public Defender Abraham Nyounway to provide legal assistance to the accused.
A related criminal coercion case against the journalists remains pending before the Cestos City Magisterial Court, presided over by Associate Magistrate Dixon Yeahgar. The PUL has committed to continuing its support for Doue and Gaye and will work with Attorney Boweh to seek a fair and amicable resolution in that matter as well.
This case has underscored the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by journalists in rural Liberia and the vital role of robust legal support and advocacy in protecting media freedom.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is the foremost institution dedicated to protecting journalists and promoting press freedom throughout Liberia. Founded in 1964, the PUL advocates for the rights of media workers and upholds the principles of free and independent journalism.
