Monrovia , January 5, 2008:The attention of the Center for Media Studies & Peace Building (CEMESP) has been drawn to an announcement from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) requiring accreditation for journalists “wishing to cover the TRC Public Hearings,” and likes to note that this is unnecessary and unduly bureaucratic.

In a letter to the TRC, CEMESP noted that once the hearing is as “public” as the TRC wants the public to believe, requiring “accreditation” would be unnecessary, discriminatory and unduly exposing journalists to hassles. It goes without saying that accreditation goes hand in hand with dis-accreditation, and should not be required for any event that must necessarily be observed by all Liberians.

 Unless the TRC can convince us that the accreditation is meant to provide special privileges for journalists covering the trial, CEMESP wants the TRC to cancel media accreditation to this “public hearing,” and permit all persons to attend without undue restrictions.

As the TRC has also invited other citizens and residents like “marketers, traditional leaders, students and the public…” to the hearings, CEMESP believes that journalists should be accorded similar status, and not one that would eventually restrict their freedom in reporting the hearings.

CEMESP uses this medium to renew its fullest agreement with the TRC Process, including aspects of the public hearings that encourage “respect for one another” and discourage booing and jeering, as these could impact upon the hearing. CEMESP also agrees with requirements for guests to observe timeliness and restrictions on weapons at the hearing venues.

Malcolm W. Joseph

Executive Director