(CEMESP/IFEX) – Reporter Rufus Paul of the “Daily Observer” was insulted, assaulted and thrown out of the National Archives in Monrovia on 5 December 2006, on the orders of Archives Director Sam Toe. Paul was investigating allegations that the Archives Director had misappropriated more than 400,000 Liberian Dollars (approx. US$8,000) from the Bureau. The “Daily […]
(CEMESP/IFEX) – Reporter Rufus Paul of the “Daily Observer” was insulted, assaulted and thrown out of the National Archives in Monrovia on 5 December 2006, on the orders of Archives Director Sam Toe.
Paul was investigating allegations that the Archives Director had misappropriated more than 400,000 Liberian Dollars (approx. US$8,000) from the Bureau.
The “Daily Observer” quotes Paul as saying that Toe hurled insults at him, charged at him and slapped him when he explained the nature of his query.
Toe then reportedly ordered security men to drag the reporter out of the Archives Building.
When the “Daily Observer” sent another reporter to verify Paul’s allegations, the Archives Director apparently confirmed his orders. According to the “Daily Observer”, Toe also said he would “deliver a package” that will ensure that “the ‘Daily Observer’ ceases to exist.”
The “Daily Observer” recalled that in November 2006, another of its reporters, Edith Quabo, was treated in a humiliating manner and expelled from the Archives by Toe.
“Daily Observer” managing editor Kenneth Best described Toe’s actions as “hostile and intimidating.” The Press Union of Liberia has also expressed its concern about the incident.
