Monrovia, Liberia – In a disturbing turn of events that threatens the very foundations of democracy in Liberia, journalist Mohammed Lamin was arrested and incarcerated without trial yesterday on the orders of Cytana Cyto, a prominent aide to President Joseph Boakai. This alarming incident has sent shockwaves through the media community and raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in the country.
Cyto, a fervent supporter of Boakai during the last election, is reportedly playing a significant role in the new administration. Sources indicate that Lamin’s arrest was ordered as retribution for his critical reporting on Cyto during the campaign. The police, succumbing to political pressure, arrested Lamin without a warrant, an act that has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and advocates for press freedom.
In a chilling statement, Cyto defended her actions, claiming, “This is a lesson for independent journalists. I believe that journalists must promote the government and write positive stories about the country. Those who criticized the party during the campaign and those who are bent on criticizing the government belong behind bars.”
This blatant attack on a journalist comes at a time when the Boakai administration has publicly committed itself to upholding freedom of speech and the press. The arrest of Lamin starkly contradicts these commitments and raises questions about the government’s true stance on democratic principles.
Lamin, who was released late yesterday, took to Facebook to express his gratitude to his colleagues and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah for their intervention. “Thank you to my fellow journalists and to Deputy Speaker Fallah for standing by me and ensuring my release. This fight is not just about me; it’s about preserving the freedom of the press and our democracy.”
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of the Boakai administration targeting opposing voices and eroding democratic norms. The use of police force to silence critics is a dangerous precedent that threatens to undermine the rule of law and the principles upon which Liberia was founded.
Political analyst James Carter commented on the situation, stating, “Arresting journalists for doing their job is a grave violation of democratic principles. This kind of action erodes public trust in the government and signals a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism.”
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any democratic society. The ability of journalists to report freely without fear of retribution is essential for holding the government accountable and ensuring that the public is informed. The actions taken against Mohammed Lamin represent a direct assault on these freedoms and should be a cause for alarm for all Liberians who value democracy.