By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia has launched a formal investigation into a tense altercation between Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah and journalist Franklin Doloquee in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
According to reports, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Minister Piah allegedly seized Doloquee’s mobile phone during an interview, deleted photos and video recordings, and has not returned the device.
The incident has sparked outrage in media circles, with the journalist filing a formal complaint to the Union.
PUL Sets Up Special Committee
In response, the PUL has established a Specialized Committee of Enquiry to thoroughly probe the matter.
The committee is chaired by veteran journalist and media development specialist Mrs. Torwon Solunteh–Brown. She is joined by Attorney-at-Law Bruce Boweh and Mr. Adama Kiatamba Dempster, the National Secretary-General of the Civil Society Human Rights Platform of Liberia.
The three-member committee has been mandated to deliver its findings and recommendations to the PUL leadership by Friday, September 19, 2025.
Union Calls for Restraint
In a statement signed by PUL President Julius Kanubah, the Union urged both sides to remain calm and professional as the investigation proceeds.
“The integrity of journalism and public information must always be respected,” the PUL stressed.
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on the PUL committee, whose report could set the tone for how journalist-government relations are managed in the country.
For now, the Union says it remains committed to protecting press freedom while ensuring fairness in handling the complaint.
