Introduction
The 2025 preliminary Freedom House report classifies Liberia as partly free, awarding it an overall score of 64 out of 100. This evaluation is derived from a score of 30 out of 40 for political rights and 34 out of 60 for civil liberties. These figures illustrate a complex scenario where Liberia exhibits elements of political openness but continues to face enduring challenges in civil liberties.
Peaceful Assembly
Protest turns violent, several protesters arrested and detained
On 17th December 2024, the Concerned Citizens Movement for the Protection of the Constitution and Rule of Law in Liberia organised a peaceful demonstration, known as the White Tuesday Protest, at the Liberian Parliament House in Monrovia. This event was spearheaded by Frank Saah Foko and Yekeh Kulubah, who are the Member of Parliament representatives for Liberia’s Districts 9 and 10, respectively.
The protest, which aimed to address the alleged constitutional violations by the government and to call for justice and adherence to constitutional principles, escalated into violence when the demonstrators violated police barricades. Initially intended as a peaceful demonstration to pressure the government to address alleged violations of the rule of law and ensure accountability within the country's governance systems, the situation quickly deteriorated. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and allegedly used live bullets, resulting in injuries and arrests, including former presidential aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro. The arrested protesters, including Damaro, were charged with rioting and disorderly conduct.
On 18th December 2024, the Liberian Parliament House caught fire under suspicious circumstances. The Liberia National Bar Association urged the government to respect the right to peaceful protest. The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray, appealed for a peaceful resolution to the differences. On 19th December, the arrested protesters, including Damaro, were released without charge.
Peaceful protest in Monrovia demands accountability and economic reforms
On 17th July 2025 in Monrovia, civil society groups Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) and ‘We the People Movement’, organised a peaceful march to express their dissatisfaction over growing economic hardship, alleged police brutality, and perceived political persecution. Led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, demonstrators criticised unfulfilled campaign promises and demanded accountability, carrying signs reading “Enough is enough” and “Where is the rule of law you promised us?” Key demands included establishing a special court for war crimes, restoring rule of law, and addressing alleged politically motivated dismissals. Despite a heavy police presence no major incident was reported.
EXPRESSION
Journalist assaulted by ruling party youth members
On 17th November 2024, supporters of the ruling Unity Party (UP) assaulted journalist Nyantee Togba while he was covering a National Executive Committee meeting of the UP in Paynesville, attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai. Togba, who works for OK FM and The Liberian Investigator, posted on his Facebook page about the dissatisfaction among the Unity Party’s youth, highlighting unfulfilled promises and a lack of job opportunities for young people within the party. When Togba arrived at the UP National Executive Committee meeting, some party youth members demanded that he retract or modify his report. Upon his refusal, they verbally and physically assaulted him, forcing him to stop his work. The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) condemned the attack and announced plans to take legal action against those involved in the violence against the journalist.
Journalist harassed during live-stream interview
On 9th December 2024, Sylvester Choloplay, a journalist with Spoon Network, encountered physical and verbal harassment from the security team of Dixon Seboe, a Liberian member of Parliament, at the Capitol Building in Monrovia. This incident occurred during a live-streamed interview when Choloplay questioned Seboe on the removal of the Speaker of the 55th Liberian Legislature, Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Seboe responded in anger and frustration, leading his security team to physically confront Choloplay, temporarily seizing his media equipment. Julius Kanubah, the President of the PUL, condemned Seboe’s reaction during the interview and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to protecting press freedom.
Journalist’s vehicle set ablaze
On 18th December 2024, unidentified individuals set fire to the vehicle of Austin Kawah, the host of the Freedom Hard Talk programme on Freedom FM in Monrovia, while he was broadcasting live. The incident could be related to Freedom FM’s criticism of President Joseph Boakai’s administration. According to reports, the culprits used a petrol bomb to set the vehicle ablaze before making their getaway on a motorcycle. The Liberia National Police have yet to provide an official statement on the matter.
Closure of Smile FM radio station, assault on media professional
On 5th May 2025, Superintendent Alex Grant of Grand Gedeh County ordered the closure of Smile FM, a community radio station in Zwedru. During the raid at the station, several individuals physically assaulted Cyrus Gbeway, a broadcast technician, and barred staff from accessing the premises. The assailants beat Gbeway, dragged him out of the station, and destroyed his cellphone. While Grant denied ordering Gbeway’s assault, he admitted knowing the attackers and authorising Smile FM station’s closure, citing unspecified information. The exact reason for the shutdown remains unclear. Smile FM resumed operations on 19th May 2025.
Journalist abducted, tortured for broadcasting government policy
On 30th June 2025, unidentified assailants, suspected to be members of the Poro Society in Nimba County, abducted Alex Seryea Yormie, a Liberian broadcast journalist from the Lar-Wehyi community radio station in Tappita. This incident took place shortly after Yormie announced a government directive suspending the activities of the Poro Society. Poro is a traditional men’s society that upholds community and customary laws, although it has faced criticism for human rights violations. In March 2025, the government passed a prohibition on the society’s activities, which was set to commence on 30th April 2025. Yormie reported that Melvin Duo, the General Culture Coordinator of Nimba County and a leader of Poro, contacted him to question why he had broadcast the suspension of the society’s activities. Yormie chose not to answer, which allegedly led to his abduction. The assailants took Yormie to their office, where they “beat him with sticks, stripped him naked, and tied his genitals with ropes”, allegedly on the instruction of Duo. Yormie was rescued following the intervention of PUL, Nimba County authorities, civil society actors, and law enforcement officers.
On 1st July 2025, Duo was arrested, and faced charges of “recklessly endangering someone, simple assault, and felonious restraint.” The case was postponed due to Yormie’s injury in an unrelated incident.