Monrovia– Justine Oldpa Yeazeahn, popularly known as Prophet Key, has begun serving a six-month prison sentence at the Monrovia Central Prison following a contempt ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The Supreme Court on Friday found Prophet Key guilty of contempt, a day after he appeared before the Full Bench, admitted wrongdoing, and pleaded with the justices to temper justice with mercy.
He was escorted to prison by court sheriffs, backed by officers of the Liberia National Police, in a heavily guarded convoy.
Prophet Key had been summoned to show cause why he should not be held in contempt for publicly ridiculing the Court. The charges stemmed from a series of social media statements in which he verbally attacked Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay and his mother, and accused the Supreme Court of corruption.
In its ruling, the Court said his actions were contemptuous and undermined the dignity and integrity of the judiciary, warranting a custodial sentence.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions.
Some citizens — particularly women’s groups — welcomed the ruling, describing it as a necessary step to uphold respect for women and public institutions. However, critics argue that the judgment infringes on freedom of speech.
“This is not justice. The Supreme Court’s ruling violates the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act and sets a troubling precedent,” one onlooker at the Monrovia Central Prison said.
Another analyst cautioned: “Liberia cannot claim to protect free speech while punishing it in effect. Free expression cannot depend on judicial mood or selective enforcement.”
A third critic warned that if the ruling stands without clear justification consistent with the Press Freedom Act, it could signal a troubling shift.
“If the Prophet Key ruling stands without clear alignment with the Press Freedom Act, then Liberia risks creating a reality where free speech exists in name but not in practice,” the analyst said.
