Journalists in Liberia joined other Journalists across the world to Celebrate 2022 World Press Freedom Day.
In 1991, the United National General Assembly acted upon a recommendation from the UNESCO General Conference which led to the proclamation that the 3rd day of May of every year is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day.
Thirty-one (31 ) years ago, journalists from across the world gathered in Windhoek, Namibia to declare what would go on to be celebrated in search of freedom for an important component of the nascent democratic as well as democracies and economies.
This year World Press Freedom Day which was organized by the Press Union of Liberia and held in Fish Town River Gee County under the Theme ‘’JOURNALISM UNDER DIGITAL SIEGE’ brought together several Liberian Journalists from different counties to mark the celebration in the South East.
Remarking on the Celebration ceremony, PUL President Charles B. Coffey Jr describes this year’s World Press Freedom Day as a millstone and called on Liberian Journalists to remain independent in their reportages. According to Mr. Coffey, the media is essential for peace, justice, sustainable development, and human rights, serving as a watchdog.
The Press Union of Liberia President, however, noted that no democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information, Mr. Coffey at the same time pay a Special tribute to those Liberian journalists and Journalists who lost their lives on the frontline.
Meanwhile, this year’s orator for Liberia’s program was Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Kojie. He spoke on the issue of trust in the media and reporting the truth and not fake news. He boasts of his government promoting free press and free speech in the country.
But his speech was condemned by some journalists who commented that the City Mayor was not the right person to speak at such a program since he and his government has not come out with a report on journalist brutality for almost two years.
According to information, the government of Liberia gave the Press Union of Liberia leadership USD$10,000 as a gift for their celebration.
Reporter: Darius N. Karnga
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