The Liberian government has lifted with immediate effect the ban it imposed on the Independent Newspaper.
On February 27th, this year, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information revoked the operational permit of the paper when it published what the Ministry described as obscene materials depicting former Presidential Affairs Minister Willis Knuckles having sex with two ladies.
In addition to the ministry's revocation of the paper's permit, the Press Union of Liberia, which is the parent body of journalists and media institutions in the country, slapped the paper with a three-month suspension which has since expired.
Addressing the press yesterday at the ministry when he announced the lifting of the ban, Minister Bropleh said the ministry's action at the time to revoke the paper's permit, was in keeping with its statutory mandate to serve as regulator and enforcement body of the government in matters affecting communications in the country.
He further stated that the ministry's action was also in keeping with Chapter 31.8 of its mandate, which gives the ministry the responsibility of formulating regulations affecting journalists and journalism in the country with the aim of ensuring the highest possible standard of professional competence.
According to him, the decision to revoke the paper's permit, stemmed from the fact that section 18.7 of the New Penal Code states that, "a person has committed a first degree misdemeanor if he disseminates obscene materials, or such person produces, transport, or sends obscene materials with the purpose that it be disseminated."
He clarified that the news report by the publisher of the paper, Mr. Sam O. Dean, that he was wanted by the government was incorrect, stressing that at no time did the government of Liberia declare Mr. Dean wanted, nor did any member of the security forces search for him.
Minister Bropleh added that the government under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will respect the rights of all citizens and the due process of law.
He vowed that the government will continue to work for press freedom in the country.
