(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed concern over legal action taken against the independent weekly “The Vanguard Newspaper” and objected to the arrest warrant issued against one of its journalists, after he exposed questionable dealings of influential local businessman and African Development Agency (ADA) director Wendell Macintosh. On 14 October 2004, the newspaper carried an article […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed concern over legal action taken against the independent weekly “The Vanguard Newspaper” and objected to the arrest warrant issued against one of its journalists, after he exposed questionable dealings of influential local businessman and African Development
Agency (ADA) director Wendell Macintosh.
On 14 October 2004, the newspaper carried an article by Moses Kowo entitled, “ADA Boss Scoops US$13,000 from LEC”. The article said Macintosh, CEO of automobile importer Universal Harmony Incorporated, had signed a contract in February to sell two vehicles to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), but that the vehicles were never delivered.
Contacted by the newspaper for his version of the facts, Macintosh immediately called his lawyer, who threatened the newspaper with legal action if the report was published. The newspaper’s management team decided to publish the story anyway.
On 15 October, editor-in-chief Crispin Tulay, deputy editor-in-chief Cheechiay Jablasone and journalist Kowo were summoned on a complaint brought by Macintosh under Section 14.27 of the new Criminal Code, under which the publication of news deemed “false and misleading with the intention of exposing someone to hatred, contempt and ridicule” is an offence.
Kowo was also served with an arrest warrant, but was allowed to remain free on payment of 1,500 Liberian dollars (approx. US$33; 26 euros) bail.
“While the country is in a period of transition after years of war and in a year of relative calm, we are astonished at this sudden attack against the independent press,” RSF said. “It is worrying that the courts should have been drawn into a case like this and that an arrest warrant was issued against a journalist.”
“‘The Vanguard Newspaper’ did its job correctly and its journalists should not have to fear being thrown in prison. We call on the Liberian justice system to drop the action against this weekly. We also urge the government to recognise that decriminalising press offences is vital to democracy-building,” the organisation added.
On 18 October, Macintosh’s lawyer failed to appear at the first hearing of the case. RSF has learned that the businessman’s legal team has since proposed an out of court settlement to the newspaper. Negotiations are set to begin shortly.
