3 March 2009

Government halts publication of the "New Broom" over allegations of
non-registration


(CEMESP/IFEX) - The government of Liberia has, "with immediate effect,"
halted the publication of the "New Broom", a weekly local newspaper owned
and operated by journalist Roland Worwee.

Liberian Information Minister Laurence Bropleh told a news conference on 27
February 2009 that the government had halted the paper's publication
because it was not registered and therefore operating illegally. He told
the conference that Liberia was "a country of laws" and would not allow any
institution to operate illegally.

The minister said the government had instructed all printing houses in the
country not to print any edition of the "New Broom."

The newspaper's publisher, Roland Worwee, has denied the allegations,
however, saying he has already notified freedom of expression and press
freedom institutions in the country regarding the government's action. He
told CEMESP that several people, including government officials, had
complained about the paper's alleged "ethical transgressions."

Worwee said the closure of the newspaper by the Liberian government was
prompted by the paper's critical reporting of irregularities in the Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf government. In its 23 February edition, the newspaper
accused two public officials, Lands and Mines Minister Eugene Shannon and
Agriculture Minister Christopher Toe, of sending large amounts of money to
their families in the United States on a regular basis.

CEMESP has challenged the decision of the Liberian government to ban the
newspaper, saying that if the government is convinced that the "New Broom"
has tax liabilities, it should take the newspaper to the tax court rather
than unlawfully shutting it down.

"The arbitrary closure of the 'New Broom' by the Liberian government
outside due process is barbaric and an attempt to trample upon press
freedom and freedom of expression in Liberia," said CEMESP.

_________________________________________________________________
For further information contact CEMESP, Benson & Buchanan Streets, P.O. Box
3480, Monrovia, Liberia, tel: +231 651 4357, e-mail:
centerforpeacebuilding@yahoo.com, Internet: http://www.cemesp-liberia.org/

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of
CEMESP. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
CEMESP.

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