Monrovia – The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) has called for a resolution or legal redress over the closure of three (3) radio stations by the Government of Liberia.
Report by Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The IRCL is a religious institution comprising of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the National Muslim Council of Liberia (NMCL).
Speaking to Reporters on Saturday, October 12, IRCL’s President Kortu Brown disclosed that the Council is deeply concerned about the closure of the three (3) radio stations including the much-publicized Roots FM on reports of failure to renew their operational permits with the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT).
Bishop Brown, who is also the President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the General Overseer of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecost Church located in Brewerville, called on the Government through the Ministries of Justice and Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and the affected radio stations and their supporters to exercise a high degree of restraints as efforts abound to find a resolution to the current crisis
“The IRCL reminds all Liberians that the upholding of the Rule of Law and the Strengthening of our democracy includes Freedom of Speech and of the Media to freely operate without fear of intimidation and/or molestation. The arrests of journalists and/or the inciting of public violence, seizure of private properties, political intolerance, etc. are inimical to our democratic tenets and must be abhorred by all Liberians including the Government and the media,” he stated.
The renowned Clergyman urged political parties and actors to prioritize the democratization of the State and focus on achieving political transition through democratic means to avoid putting the country “already economically stressed, through unnecessary political tension, mayhem and/or uncertainty.”
He pointed out that the IRCL wants the affected radio stations to seek a peaceful resolution of the closure crisis or redress through the Courts of Law, and reminded government that it has a major role to play in the sustenance of the peace citizens are presently enjoying in Liberia.
“The IRCL calls on the Administration of President George M. Weah, as holder of the People’s trust, to consider that it bears the greatest responsibility for the maintenance of peace and stability in the country,” he stated.
It can be recalled that on Thursday, October 10, heavily armed officers of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP), shut down Roots FM 102.7, Shatia FM 102.5, and Vision FM 102.1, based upon a search and seizure warrant issued by the Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, Ernest F. Bana.
“The IRCL reminds all Liberians that the upholding of the Rule of Law and the Strengthening of our democracy includes Freedom of Speech and of the Media to freely operate without fear of intimidation and/or molestation. The arrests of journalists and/or the inciting of public violence, seizure of private properties, political intolerance, etc. are inimical to our democratic tenets and must be abhorred by all Liberians including the Government and the media.”
– Rev. Kortu Brown, Inter-Religious Council of Liberia
The warrant, which was issued upon the request of the Ministry of Justice, mandates court sheriffs backed by the ERU officers, to undertake search and seizure operation on the premises of the station which hosts the Henry Costa Morning Show, the government says have been spitting hate messages on the airwaves and operating without a license.
In its petition, the MoJ maintain that Roots FM, in order to perpetuate what it described as criminal acts against the Republic of Liberia, willfully and illegally elected and decided to criminally use their broadcast equipment for the commission of the following crimes against the republic and the peace loving people of Liberia by inciting rioting & violence, broadcasting hate messages against the government, public nuisance, disorderly conduct, aiding consumption of crime, advocating armed insurrection, criminal attempt, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy and other criminal acts intended to instigate subversion against the government of Liberia.