(CPJ/IFEX) – The Ministry of Labour has informed Star Radio employees Jeanette Carter and George Bennett that they are illegally employed. Foreign nationals Carter and Bennett continue to be officially prohibited from working. **Updates IFEX alerts of 28 October and 27 October 1998** The Ministry of Labour informed the censored journalists that they must first […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – The Ministry of Labour has informed Star Radio employees
Jeanette Carter and George Bennett that they are illegally employed. Foreign
nationals Carter and Bennett continue to be officially prohibited from
working.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 28 October and 27 October 1998**
The Ministry of Labour informed the censored journalists that they must
first pay a fine of US$2,000, and that the Agency for International
Development (USAID) — a funder of Star Radio — must apply for work
permits on behalf of Carter and Bennett through the Ministry of Information.
Star Radio is managed by the Swiss-based Foundation Hirondelle, an
international NGO. Historically, employees of international NGOs usually
obtain employment credentials through the Ministry of Planning. In the
meantime, Carter
and Bennett have applied for gratis work permits at a cost of US$150.
The Ministry of Labor’s decision to declare Carter and Bennett illegal
workers compounds the censorship surrounding Star Radio. A letter to Star
Radio dated 23 October 1998 from Minister of Posts and Telecommunications
Maxwell Kaba, read: “I wish to inform you that based upon the objective and
the ownership of your establishment, you are hereby advised to close down
your short-wave broadcasting station…”
On 26 October, three senior staff members of Star Radio, accompanied by
reprentatives from USAID, the International Foundation for Election Systems
(a U.S.-based NGO), and by a political officer from the U.S. Embassy met
with Minister Kaba. CPJ sources report that the minister did not articulate
his objections with Star Radio’s objectives.
The following objectives are broadcast on Star Radio regularly:
“Star Radio provides an independent source of information for Liberians. It
concentrates on civic and local concerns and broadcasts factual and
impartial programs.
The choice of materials to be broadcast is strictly controlled by the
management of Star Radio. No one, public or private, may impose their
opinions, or influence the program content in any way.
Star radio gives priority to service information for the population of
Liberia, especially for separated families.
Star radio emphasises the search for peace and the promotion of human rights
in Liberia. It works closely with non-governmental organizations, the United
Nations, and other humanitarian offices.
Star radio does not deal in rumour nor does it broadcast information which
could cause panic.”
Star Radio continues to be prohibited from posting its broadcasts on the
Internet.
