Broadcast Liberian journalist Edward Stemn has been released from further detention by the Gedetarbo Magisterial Court in Maryland County.
The release of journalist Stemn follows interventions by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) along with other social and political actors of Maryland County.
The journalist was on July 1, 2025, detained by Magistrate Nyemade Bedell for what the court calls his “willful disgrace, disobedience, and resistance” to the “lawful mandate” of the Court.
His detention stemmed from the broadcast of information implicating Magistrate Bedell in acts of bribery and the unlawful release of a drug suspect, accusations that were not substantiated.
Journalist Stemn and his employer, Voice of Hope radio, later publicly retracted the claims against Magistrate Bedell, followed by a formal letter of apology.
However, his failure to attend a scheduled meeting with Magistrate Bedell on June 30 prompted the Court to order his arrest and subsequent detention.
In conversations with the PUL on Tuesday, July 8, journalist Stemn thanked the Union for the efforts exerted in his release.
The journalist, however, expressed disappointment over his arbitrary arrest and detention on the
orders of Magistrate Nyemade Bedell, complaining of jungle justice and lack of due process.
He told the PUL that he is currently experiencing pain in his right hand, a result of „court officers forcibly handcuffing and maltreating‟ him – in his words.
The PUL is delighted that journalist Stemn has regained his freedom, trusting that lessons will be learned from his case after further review of the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention for six days.
