MONROVIA: The Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), has written a formal letter to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the umbrella group of Liberian journalists and media institutions, complaining SPOON Network “for allowing the use of its platforms” (online and Radio) by people who, the Government referred to as “Well known rabble-rousers” who mainly reside outside of the country to spew lies and disinformation in the country.
In a letter addressed to PUL President, Charles Coffey, dated March 1, 2023, under the signature of the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Legderhood J. Rennie, the government noted that SPOON Network allowed “the use of its platforms, with the sole intent of fueling chaos in the society through a campaign of fake news and deliberate false information, while broadcasting from a foreign jurisdiction.”
According to the letter, while the Weah-led Administration is not in the business of stiffing free expression and freedom of the press and has also shown demonstrable commitments over time as a government to this principle, people must be reminded that the exercise of this freedom comes with responsibilities and that one is held accountable under the laws of the country for the breach of such.
The letter stated that with these individuals residing out of the Country, it makes it difficult for those who feel injured by these deliberate lies, insults, and fake news to have any meaningful redress.”
The Letter further indicated that, as a government, it is its responsibility to ensure the decent and responsible use of the Liberia’s airwaves, and they, as government, cannot falter on this responsibility, especially during this time in which the political discourse is becoming feisty.
The letter pointed out that, against this backdrop, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), is requesting “an urgent meeting with the leadership of the PUL to examine these situations with the view of forming a common approach to curtailing this wanton misuse of the airwaves of the country under the guise of press freedom.”
The letter emphasized that, the proposed scheduled meeting is expected to be held today, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the Conference room of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), on Capitol Hill, in Monrovia.