Liberia: Rights Advocates Rally Media Support for Death Penalty Abolition

What the report says

In Monrovia, Liberia, a civil society coalition stepped up its push to abolish the death penalty and appealed to journalists to help build informed public support for the change. The effort was highlighted during a two-day media training session organized with support from the British Embassy in Liberia, the Ministry of Justice and the Press Union of Liberia, bringing together reporters, human rights advocates, government officials and other stakeholders.

According to the Liberian Observer report distributed by AllAfrica, Adama Dempster of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia said a draft amendment to remove capital punishment has already been submitted to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. He said the proposal was developed with input from institutions including the Law Reform Commission, the Liberia National Bar Association, the Justice Ministry, the United Nations and other partners, and would next be taken to the National Legislature.

Speakers at the event argued that journalists have an important role in shaping a factual public debate on the issue. Press Union of Liberia president Julius Kanubah said coverage should focus on human dignity, constitutional principles and the broader justice system, while Lawrence Yealue of the National Civil Society Council said abolition would better protect the right to life and reduce the risk of irreversible errors. British Ambassador Paul Simister reiterated the UK’s opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

The report also noted that the debate has gained renewed attention amid calls to impose capital punishment on some drug trafficking cases. Organizers said the training is intended to strengthen cooperation between the media and civil society as Liberia considers whether to move closer to ending executions.