Liberian government continues to ban The Independent

In February this year, the Liberian government banned the publishing of The Independent newspaper after it printed a photo of the now former presidential affairs minister, Willis Knuckles, engaged in sexual conduct with two women.

Last week, the Supreme Court instructed both parties to return to status quo ante, which The Independent's lawyer, Seyrius Cephus, understood to mean that the paper could commence publishing.

However, the Liberian government has maintained its stance, and re-enforced the ban by instructing printing houses not to print the paper.

The government, through the Justice Ministry, described reports that the ban had been lifted as a "misinterpretation", and according to Solicitor General Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, all parties should remain as they are until the court has looked into the matter.

The case was to commence in the Supreme Court on 4 April.

See here for an earlier report.

Source: CEMESP