OK FM MANAGEMENT CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON ITS REPORTER
MONROVIA-July 30, 2021, WTVNEWS: The Management of OK FM Liberia, a local radio station, has condemned attacks on its reporter, Nyantee Togba, allegedly on the orders of Montserrado County District 17 Representative, Hanson Kiazolu.
OK FM reporter Togba was allegedly attacked Friday morning July 30, 2021, while providing live coverage at the home of Rep. Kiazulu where protesters had gone to seek explanation on the expenditure of the controversial US$ 30K given to legislators for what they term as Legislative Engagement Fund.
“OK Reporter Togba was attacked while providing live coverage for a protest before the home of Rep. Hanson Kiazulu for OK FM’S Live Facebook Page. Protesters gathered before the home of the lawmaker to seek explanation on the expenditure of the controversial US$ 30k given each lawmaker in the Liberian Legislature” Mr. Jackson said
A release from the Station quotes its Manager, Mr. Clarence Jackson, as saying that such action against its reporter by an elected official of government is a careless move intended to push journalists into self-censorship and limit much-needed public scrutiny of individuals elected by the people as driven by the works of journalists.
The statement asserted that Journalist Nyantee pleaded to identify himself as a journalist but was rejected.
Mr. Jackson said Pictures of Nyantee later emerged on social media seating on the floor alongside the protesters in the compound of Montserrado County District #17 Representative Hanson Kiazulu.
OK FM statement added that Reporter Nyantee’s phone that was being used for the live coverage was seized by the mob acting on the instructions of Rep. Kiazolu.
He said his reporter and the protesters were taken away by officers of the Liberia National Police invited by the lawmaker.
According to Manager Jackson, Journalists in the employ of OK FM and other journalists in Liberia will not succumb to harassment from intolerant politicians who are against the sacred and constitutionally defined role of the media in the Liberian democracy.
The Radio Station is at the same time calling on the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to act forcefully in the interest of press freedom in Liberia.
