By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, Liberia—The management of OK FM 99.5 has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged assault and intimidation of its Nimba County correspondent, Franklin Doloquee, by Liberia’s Information Minister, Jerolinmek Piah.
According to Doloquee and multiple eyewitnesses, Minister Piah forcibly seized the journalist’s phone during a press engagement, demanding the deletion of photos and videos captured at the event. When the reporter refused, the Minister allegedly deleted several images himself and retained possession of the device. Audio recordings of the confrontation, held by OK FM, reportedly confirm the journalist’s account, adding further weight to the station’s claims.
In an official statement, OK FM described the incident as “a blatant violation of press freedom, a direct attack on the sacred role of journalists, and a dangerous abuse of public office.” The station emphasized that no government official, regardless of rank, has the authority to assault, intimidate, or confiscate the property of journalists lawfully performing their duties.
OK FM is now calling on President Joseph Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police to immediately investigate the incident and hold the responsible official accountable. The station also demands the prompt return of Mr. Doloquee’s phone and a transparent, impartial inquiry into the actions of the Information Minister.
The management further urged the Press Union of Liberia and international press freedom organizations to condemn the incident, highlighting concerns over a perceived decline in respect for media independence in Liberia. “This attack sends a dangerous signal to journalists nationwide,” the statement reads, “and undermines the Ministry of Information’s historic role as a model for transparency and press engagement in Liberia.”
Liberians have expressed alarm at the incident, describing it as a troubling precedent for interactions between government officials and journalists. Many observers warn that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode press freedom and weaken democratic accountability in the country.
OK FM concluded by reaffirming its commitment to fearless, independent, and factual reporting, declaring that attempts at intimidation by public officials will not deter its journalistic mission.
