—-As PUL Raises Alarm as Speaker Koon Threatens Journalists
Liberian House Speaker Richard Koon has publicly apologized to legislative reporters following recent tension where he reportedly threatened journalists with jail for recording an “illegal session”.
On or around November 25, 2025, Speaker Koon was heard on a loudspeaker threatening journalists covering the Legislature with detention if they recorded what he termed an “illegal session”. An incident in February 2025 also involved a security guard reportedly breaking a journalist’s phone.
The comments sparked outrage within the media community. Groups like the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL) and other activists condemned the threats as an “assault on and an aggression against” constitutional press freedom guarantee
Speaker Koon publicly apologized for the tension just days after the incident, on November 27, 2025. He stated: “Let me apologize for the tension we created that caused embarrassment for the government and you, the Liberian people”.
The Speaker’s initial actions were widely seen as anti-democratic and an attempt to intimidate the press from performing their legitimate duties of ensuring transparency and accountability.
Various media outlets, including The Independent Probe Newspaper, FrontPageAfrica, OK FM, and the Liberian Investigator, covered the events and subsequent apology.
The apology of Speaker Koon comes amid a strong worded statement issued by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) condemning the Speaker Threat describing his threats as a growing wave of hostility against journalists in the country, following fresh verbal threats issued by House Speaker Richard Koon against members of the legislative press corps.
On Tuesday, November 25, Speaker Koon angrily warned journalists covering the House of Representatives against recording conversations inside the Chamber when plenary had not formally commenced. His remarks captured by some reporters present suggested journalists could face physical assault or even imprisonment should they publish such recordings.
“Anything you record from here, we will deal with you… When we grab your, when we don’t put your in jail, your mon [should] change my name,” Speaker Koon was heard saying, among other threatening comments.
The PUL described the Speaker’s remarks as a “frightening manifestation of increasingly hostile behavior toward journalists in Liberia”, noting that the threat signals an attempt by a top public official to weaponize state authority to intimidate the press and restrict public access to information.
According to the Union, Speaker Koon’s assertion contradicts Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees press freedom and the public’s right to be informed about the functions of government.
“Speaker Koon must be reminded that every open session in the Chamber bears the nature of privileged information, legally allowing journalistic coverage,” the PUL stressed.
Meetings Held for Clarification But Union Demands Retraction
PUL President Julius Kanubah held separate engagements Wednesday with officials at the Capitol, including the Speaker’s Media Adviser Vehzelee Sumo, House Information Committee Chair Rep. Emmanuel Dahn, and House Press Bureau Director Robert Haynes.
While the Speaker’s office insisted the remarks were made “without malice” and not intended to “muzzle the press”, Rep. Dahn attempted to downplay the threats by describing them as a mere joke.
The PUL, however, rejected those explanations and is demanding an immediate public apology from Speaker Koon.
“‘Joke or no joke’, ‘with or without malice,’ such reckless threats against journalists are unacceptable,” the Union stated.
Press Union Calls for Vigilance
As the organization continues to monitor the situation, the PUL is urging journalists assigned at the Legislature to remain firm and committed to pursuing stories of public interest.
The Union emphasized that the Legislature is a crucial arm of government whose activities must be subjected to consistent public scrutiny, making the role of journalists indispensable.
