He said it is because of this long-standing cordiality that journalists have always been there for security people — taking interest in highlighting their plight when working conditions appear unfavorable for them. Mr. Paye-Layleh, one of those on the frontline in the media battle against attempts at muzzling the press in Liberia, was speaking when he interacted with a group of checkpoint security personnel in Monrovia after the Press Union of Liberia’s meeting on May 8. He told them to respect the authorities of government but they should also remember that discretional and rational decision-making is key to all security operations globally. The journalist further reminded checkpoint security that only media people will always be available and accessible to listen to their concerns when, for ethical reasons, they are unable to make their own case publicly. The journalist appealed to religious leaders in the country to take interest in and mediate to end the current standoff between the government and the media community over the issuance of press passes to media workers.

Source: Front Page Africa May 11, 2020 09:56 UTC