By Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
MONROVIA – In a landmark decision for press freedom in Liberia, the Yarpah Town Magisterial Court in Rivercess County has dropped criminal contempt charges against journalists Eric Opa Doue and Methuselah Gaye.
The ruling came on August 20, 2025, by Magistrate Debah Zuku Debah, following a robust legal defense by Attorney Bruce Boweh, who was sent to Rivercess by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
Although the contempt charges were dismissed, both journalists were fined USD 50 each and instructed to issue a written apology to the court, along with a retraction of bribery allegations they had previously published.
Attorney Boweh argued that while the reporting contained inaccuracies, there was no intent to undermine the integrity of the court. The journalists had relied on unnamed sources without substantiated evidence to back their claims of bribery.
PUL President Julius Kanubah welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that it reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom and the Declaration of Table Mountain, which protect journalists from undue harassment.
“This is not just a relief for our colleagues in Rivercess but a reminder of the importance of safeguarding independent journalism across the country,” Kanubah said.
The case has drawn national attention, with PUL condemning the arrests as part of a “coordinated attempt to silence journalists” in Rivercess County.
Background of the Case
Journalist Eric Opa Doue was first arrested on August 13, 2025, after being accused of contempt by Magistrate Debah, and later released with instructions to return on August 18 with legal representation. His colleague, Methuselah Gaye, was arrested the following day after police officer Ojuku Weeks, acting as a private prosecutor, accused the journalists of falsely implicating him in bribery and narcotics dealings.
Both journalists spent nights in custody before being released on bail: Gaye after paying L$60,000 (USD 300) and Doue after posting L$2,000 (USD 10) with assistance from local community leaders.
The PUL has criticized Public Defender Abraham Nyounway for refusing to represent the journalists, calling it a breach of professional duty.
Meanwhile, a separate charge of criminal coercion against the journalists remains pending before the Cestos City Magisterial Court, presided over by Associate Magistrate Dixon Yeahgar.
The PUL has pledged to continue supporting the journalists and Attorney Boweh to ensure a fair and amicable resolution to the remaining case.
