Boston, MA, USA — Several former leaders of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), including Isaac D.E. Bantu, Emmanuel D. Abalo, and Gabriel I.H. Williams, have publicly reacted to the Supreme Court of Liberia’s recent criminal contempt ruling against social media presenter Justin “Oldpa” Yeazean, popularly known as Prophet Key.
Prophet Key was found guilty of contempt on February 13, 2026, and sentenced to six months in prison. The charges stemmed from a series of social media posts in which he verbally attacked Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay and his mother using vulgar language, while also accusing the Supreme Court of corruption.
When appearing before the full bench, Prophet Key admitted wrongdoing and pleaded for the justices to temper justice with mercy.
In a statement released by the former PUL leaders, they explained the Supreme Court’s position: “In its very swift judgment, the Supreme Court of Liberia cited provisions of the Liberian constitution, emphasizing that while freedom of speech is guaranteed, it is not absolute and it carries responsibility. The Court declared that Prophet Key’s conduct in ‘spewing out invectives, insults, abuse, and indecent language constitutes a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression.’”
The former PUL officials welcomed the ruling, particularly noting that Prophet Key had been given the opportunity to substantiate his allegations but instead admitted wrongdoing and sought mercy.
“Liberia’s constitutional order rests on a judiciary that decides disputes without fear,” the statement said.
Continuing, the statement added, “When public commentary shifts from criticism to personal degradation, it functions as pressure, invites retaliation and mob logic, and trains the public to disrespect court orders. This is why we must encourage criticism based on facts and evidence, and not criticism intended to cause public humiliation as a political tool. The Prophet Key episode exposes a dangerous cycle.”
The former PUL leaders, however, expressed concerns over the speed of the case relative to other high-profile cases involving major allegations of financial misconduct against former government officials that remain unresolved.
“The court must guard against the appearance of selective justice, while also being mindful of judicial or constitutional overreach. Liberia took a historic step in 2019 when the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom removed criminal libel, sedition, and criminal malevolence from the Penal Law. We must ensure that the country does not slide back toward criminal punishment for speech through indirect routes, such as contempt, which could hinder freedom of speech and of the press,” they said.
The statement further urged journalists and media institutions to report facts of court actions responsibly, avoiding amplification of abusive language and separating news from commentary.
Former Journalist James Dorbor Remembered
In a separate announcement, the former PUL executives mourned the passing of Mr. James Dorbor, former Financial Secretary of the Union. Mr. Dorbor served over a decade at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) and the Liberia News Agency (LINA). He was among the few professionally trained Liberian journalists in the French language and also served as a correspondent for Agence France Press (AFP).
The former PUL leaders acknowledged Dorbor’s professional contributions and mentorship, extending their profound condolences to his family.
