NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County Senator and former Finance Minister Amara Konneh has weighed in on the recent contempt proceedings by the Supreme Court of Liberia against Justin Oldman Yeahzehn, widely known as ProphetKey, raising concerns about equal justice, defamation, and alleged corruption within the country’s judicial system.
In a public statement, Senator Konneh said he followed the court’s action with keen interest, noting that Article 15 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression while also holding individuals accountable for misuse of that freedom.
He referenced legal interpretations, including arguments advanced by prominent lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe, emphasizing that constitutional protection of speech does not extend to defamatory or abusive conduct against private citizens or public officials.
By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskaba98@gmail.com
Konneh questioned whether the court would have acted with the same speed and firmness if the case had involved a private citizen or an official from the legislative or executive branches rather than the Chief Justice.
The Senator also asked whether the judiciary would consistently resist pressure or appeals from influential individuals connected to the accused.
“The fundamental question is whether Liberia truly offers justice to all,” the senator argued, stressing the need for stronger protection of citizens from defamation and insults—acts he said the court’s ruling reaffirmed are not shielded by constitutional free-speech guarantees.
Beyond the contempt case, Konneh called on the Supreme Court to confront what he described as corruption within the judicial system, an issue he said was also raised during ProphetKey’s controversial podcast remarks.
He maintained that national debate should address both vulgar public discourse and systemic weaknesses in the courts with equal urgency.
The former finance minister concluded by urging a return to cultural values of respect and communal responsibility in raising younger generations, saying such principles are essential to preserving Liberia’s identity and strengthening social harmony.
