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In a significant development for press freedom in Liberia, two journalists from the Daily Observer Newspaper, Bai Best and David A. Yates appeared before the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, accompanied by representatives from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Liberia Media Lawyers Network (LMLN).
This appearance follows ongoing concerns regarding the interrogation and harassment of the journalists related to their reporting on the recent mysterious death of Anwar Futloo, General Manager of Boulevard Palace Hotel.
Tuesday’s meeting, which was scheduled in accordance with a prior agreement, was disrupted when police investigators from the Crime Services Division stated that they could not proceed with the interrogation due to the absence of the officer spearheading the investigation, Varney Samah, who was attending to a family bereavement.
As a result, the journalists and their colleagues were asked to leave, with assurances that they would be contacted once Mr. Samah returns.
With caution, the PUL notes the investigators’ decision to suspend further questioning at this time and hopes that the journalists’ cooperation on Tuesday marks the conclusion of unnecessary harassment.
“Hi all, here’s an update,” Best said in a brief message to the Observer newsroom and a few other colleagues in the Liberian media.
“We arrived at the LNP headquarters on time. Yates was accompanied by PUL president Kanubah and Atty Al-Varney Rogers was present as additional counsel, along with me.
“The investigator, Varney Samah, was conspicuously absent. His female colleague was at his desk and said he was absent today due to bereavement (she said his father-in-law passed away). So [our] additional counsel, Atty Al-Varney Rogers, left his phone number in case of any further inquiry. It is left with them now to call him if they need us any further. But I doubt they will. (Fingers crossed!) To God be the glory! 🙏🏾”
This marks the third time that journalists Best and Yates have been summoned to the LNP Headquarters following requests from investigators, who had previously labeled journalist Yates as a “person of interest” and later a “suspect” in a case that raises critical questions about press freedom and the rights of journalists in Liberia.
In a previous statement released on January 13, 2025, the PUL condemned the conduct of LNP investigators under the directive of Simeon Frank, describing their treatment of the journalists as “unprofessional and unacceptable.”
The Union stresses that such actions undermine the essential functions of journalism and the broader democratic principles that protect press freedom.
The PUL and the LMLN remain committed to closely monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately to any future threats to the sanctity of journalism in Liberia. We urge law enforcement to uphold the rights and protections afforded to journalists in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
