Liberia: Riot Police Shut Down Popular Radio Station

On Thursday morning listeners of the popular Monrovia radio station Roots FM could hear as riot police forcibly entered its studio and shut down the station.

The government has accused the talk show host, Henry Costa, of inciting violence amongst the people, though critics deem this a worrying repression of freedom of speech.

Costa is known for his critical view of the government, often hosting debates surrounding the conduct of government officials.

The move comes just a week after the talk show host alleged police were refusing to release rape victim Justina Taylor from a Catholic-run hospital, so that she may seek further medical attention in the US.

There were fierce clashes outside the radio station between riot police and supporters of Mr. Costa.  Police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds, seriously wounding one protestor.

The police were accompanied by sheriffs from the Monrovia City Court with a search warrant, requesting the radio station premises be searched and that upon discovery certain items be brought before the court.

Liberia’s first democratic transition in 74 years came in January 2018 with the inauguration of President George Weah, although this latest move will be a cause for concern amongst free speech and human rights advocates.

Members of the four opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) have demanded an unconditional reopening of the station, or, they say, they will begin nonviolent but direct mass action.  They claim the government’s “continuous acts of violence have only scared away investors, who are reluctant because of the growing disregard for all tenets of good governance and the rule of law”.